4 out of 5

Directed by: Brad Bird

The MI film series has been notable for not only managing to maintain its star, Tom Cruise, but for each entry’s distinct vibe, all etching at variations on a spy theme, from the more noir-soaked DePalma original to Woo’s lone avenger sequel, to Abrams’ paranoia run-and-gun.  Something each flick has mostly adhered to – though admittedly less so in the second one – is a distinct sense of momentum which adds to the ‘Impossible’ tag; some crazy ass things have to happen right freaking now and the only way to do them is the most craziest-assed way possible.  Although there was some question as to how animation guy Brad Bird would tackle a big budget action film, ‘motion’ is something that’s perfected in his movies, and so his skills translate without even the slightest hiccup, the more flourished worlds of Incredibles or Ratatouille perhaps even making it easier for Bird to instantly understand and capture the over-the-top M:I mystique without having to get too forcefully gritty or cheeky.  With a clean, fun, ‘we’ve been disavowed but still have to save everyone’ script by André Nemec and Josh Appelbaum, and kept stable by Cruise’s and J.J. Abrams’ production, ‘Ghost Protocol’ is clearly defined as popcorn from its opening escape sequence from a prison, but its so deftly choreographed and the group dynamics – Simon Pegg and Paula Patton as Cruise’s backup – are so in-sync that the film doesn’t feel like simple flash, but lovingly crafted entertainment.  Michael Giacchino, a constant companion of both Abrams and Bird, manages to wrap around the movie joyfully, once more bringing life to the theme and its various iterations used throughout the movie.  You come into M:I expecting insane set pieces and cool spycraft.  None of the movies have disappointed in this regard, but ‘Ghost’ is helmed by a team brimming with such (earned) confidence that you’re pretty much automatically smiling once it starts.  Sure, it’s not the action movie to redefine the world of action films, but it’s undeniably a damn fine example.