If you’ve been missing stunt packed, explosion filled Tom Cruise films recently then you’ll be pleased to know that Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol once again takes the action to another level, literally. Despite the fact that you can basically predict the majority of what happens in M: I films, small changes such as Ethan Hunt going separate from the Impossible Missions Force, and the Addition of Simon Pegg, made a slight difference to the narrative.
In true M: I style, the film opens epically with Ethan Hunt fighting his way out of prison with the help of Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and Jane Carter (Paula Patton), the reason he was there in the first place doesn’t become clear until later in the film (and I won’t spoil it for you). From the moment we are introduced to Benji, you can tell he is going to be a typical geeky, clumsy Simon Pegg character, but he does play it very well, and it is a welcome contrast to Ethan Hunt who can seemingly do anything, and make it look good at the same time. As the film develops, Ethan gets cut off from the IMF and only has his three colleagues to help him complete his mission.
The filming is excellent, as expected; full of impressive wide shots which show the audience the scale of the stunts and surroundings. By far the best stunt is where Hunt must scale the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, during an approaching sand storm. The camera work shows the stunning views of Dubai, while maintaining the focus on Hunt climbing the building, and of course there are moments when, even though you’re sure he will fall, his skill as a climber stops him.
Although some may see the predictability of a Mission: Impossible films as a downside, isn’t the whole point of seeing a Mission: Impossible is because you know what you’re getting? Exceptional stunt work, explosions, and a storyline which takes a lot to believe. If you enjoyed the previous Mission: Impossible films then you’ll enjoy this, and Simon Pegg is a great addition to the cast, so if you fancy a fast paced, thrilling blockbuster then give it a watch.
