• Action
  • Plot
  • Humor
  • Acting
  • Movie Experience

What do you get when two major cooperations come together to sponsor one of the biggest selling franchises in movie history? A two and a half hour long television commercial! I’m kidding, but after watching Mission Impossible 4 you will probably agree with me too. 

It’s been a 5 year long wait for what most of us MI fans thought would never happen, after the insults that came from Cruise’s outlandish display on the Oprah Winfreyshow back in 2006, made Viacom ’s chairman, Sumner M. Redstone, state that Paramount Pictures would end its 14-year relationship with the actor’s production company. The last Mission Impossible III, despite being a really well put together movie, came under much criticism as many people had now fallen out of love for their Top Gun touting boy toy, raising reports that Cruise would no longer take part in the movie franchise.  

Fast forward to a week ago when I had to literally close my eyes and ears every time a television trailer came on, because they just seem to give away TOO MUCH of the movie, before I actually got a chance to sink my teeth into it. Well I’m here to tell the fans that they are in for a surprise.

Just like the last 3 movie installments, Mission Impossible 4 brings its own flair, feel, format and fun to the big screen, introducing a brand new element of humor. Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise, is forced into yet another mission to save the world from mass terror, but this time he does not have the full accompaniment of IMF resources. His team, who includes the extremely beautiful and talented Paula Patton (Deja Vu), Jeremey Renner (The Town) and believe-it-or-not, the incredibly funny Simon Pegg (Shaun Of The Dead) are all placed in a do or die situation where they are in a race against time to track down a dangerous terrorist who has gained access to Russian nuclear launch codes and is planning a strike on the United States (sounds very Jack Baeur 24ish doesn’t it?).

The Movie’s new director Brad Bird who’s track record includes The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Up, clearly added his own colorful personality and style, teasing each hair raising scene with an injection of humor. Think early Lethal Weapon, and not Bad Boys 2.

The plot, though not as intricate or twisty as the earlier installments was still strong enough to be the blueprint for some hair raising excitement, incredibly fascinating and exotic locations and even a hint of bond like gadgets (look out for the BMW i8 diesel hybrid car). A visibly older Hunt was was still strong enough to display some of the acrobatic insanity he’s well known, not to mention some moments where we actually believe he was training for the 100 meter sprints.

What was lacking was some of the earlier elements that are typical of the MI repertoire, regardless of the fact that it was extremely relevant for the plot. Also, Apple and BMW’s continuous cameo’s actually made me believe that they would have been given a spot in the cast listing at the end.

But despite the over emphasized product placement, Mission Impossible 4 turned out to be one hell of a kick ass movie. I can guarantee that if all the elements I described to you earlier don’t grab your attention, the seamlessly sultry and seductive Paula Patton most definitely will (her husbands last name is ironically befitting).

Action movie junkies should definitely spend a few popcorn calories on this one as the small screen may not give it that oomph the high res big screen has to offer. So whether its with your pals or your sweetheart, guys and dolls should definitely go out and get your fix of Mr. Hunt and his IMF team.

This message will self destruct in 5 seconds…good luck…