Movie Review: "Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol"

The Mission Impossible franchise might have convoluted plots that require cliff notes, but you can always count on the Tom Cruise film to hand over the action. Therefore, to enjoy Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol take off your thinking cap and munch on extra buttery popcorn. The fourth installment is candy for the brain, a straightforward action flick that doesn’t disappoint —so I say: mission accomplished!

Most important, the Tom Cruise we know and love is back. Over the past few years, Suri's daddy has been more known for Scientology and media rants than the box office. As star and producer in Mission Impossible , he has returned to the iconic star we remember.  This just might be the comeback film for Cruise, who turns 50 in July.

Directed by Brad Bird , the stunts are jaw-dropping, the visuals are some of the best special effects since Avatar — and it's not even in 3D, something most audiences have grown tired of — and Cruise cranks out that action-hero-rough-and-rugged-glam like no one else. He runs like the Six Million Dollar Man, punishes the bad guys and is supported by a team, which includes the forever sexy Paula Patton — who managed to get in a few drop kicks and left hooks.

Most will agree trying to follow a Mission Impossible plot line is futile. Just when you are about give up on the who, what, where and why, Tom Cruise is mystifying you with a random stunt like scaling the outside of the Burj Khalifa — the tallest building in the world — without the use of a stunt double. This much talked about scene is worth it to see on an iMax screen, easily making the Paramount film one of the best action movies of the year.

Another plus, there is no irritating romance premise that consistently ruins action flicks.  Mission is hardcore on action, no damsel in distress or random make-out scenes with the stock pretty girl.

Mission Impossible could've been a perfect ten if Brad Bird would've utilized his editing skills. The film was ridiculously and unnecessarily long ( 2 hours and 13 minutes!), packed with pointless scenes that only took away from the film. If a cool 30 minutes would've been shaved off, Mission Impossible would've been a home run. Don't worry, the few yawns here and there are washed away by the high-octane action.

Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol is in theaters now.