There
are few “four-quels” out there in the film industry. There are fewer which I can say I saw on four
different formats (VHS, drive-in movie theater, regular movie theater,
IMAX). But I doubt there are any others where
the fourth in the series is the best of the bunch.
Ethan
Hunt (Cruise), shortly after being "released" from a Serbian prison, is given the
task of stopping a madman from starting nuclear war between the USA and Russia. On his team, the only IMF members remaining:
the sexy, potential love interest (Paula Patton), the jokester utility man (Simon
Pegg), and the agent-turned-desk occupier (Jeremy Renner). Together, they must stop the destruction of
mankind. As cliché as the plot sounds,
there are numerous twists that pop out of nowhere. Pegg may be the best comedic sidekick in the
movies today. Patton is entirely capable
of being the required tough yet feminine agent.
It is Renner, however, who is given the short straw. His character is never really fully fleshed
out as something other than the IMF secretary pushed into the limelight.
But the
real stars of the show are first-time live-action director Brad Bird and his visuals. Bird showed the world seven years ago with “The
Incredibles” that he can direct action with the best of them. But he is nearly as talented with humans as
he is with Apple computers. The second
act features one of the most delicate but tense & exciting action
centerpieces in any movie I’ve ever seen. The interception of codes in Dubai also
features one of the most breathtaking action scenes ever created. You will know it when you see it.
However,
there are times where you can tell this is Bird’s first live-action rodeo. The most obvious spots are the quick cut, up
close action shots. Especially on the
IMAX screen, the audience will have an extremely difficult time figuring out
who is who on at least two occasions.
Also, the screenplay has a plot that could be 20-30 years old. Nuclear war?
With Russia? C’mon man!
Finally,
a warning. First, let me say I love the
Cinemark @ Pittsburgh Mills. Wonderful
place to watch a movie. The IMAX theater
there stinks. It is way, way too loud in
there. I swear the floor shook at least
10 times and my wife’s ears are still ringing.
Also, it is too small. Even if
you sit in the back row, you still need to move your head from side to side in
order to see the entire screen. If IMAX is your choice, go to the more comfortable Waterfront instead.
All that
said, Ghost Protocol is an absolute blast.
Bird and Cruise are able to combine their talents to create this kinetic
but very intelligent action flick. This
is the breath of fresh air that the U.S. box office needs.
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