Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

If you are among those who thought another installment in the Mission: Impossible film franchise was a total waste of time, there’s something that might change your mind.

Midway through Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, there’s an extended sequence set in the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai skyscraper that ranks as the world’s tallest building. The sequence is ridiculous and far-fetched to the extent it renders any plot advancement virtually meaningless. Yet it is also a slick, suspenseful, action-packed adrenaline rush that provides some of the biggest pure thrills seen in any film this year.

Thus the inner dilemma facing viewers while watching this fourth big-screen adventure adapted from the 1960s television series. Every time the brain wants to condemn the film for its silly and predictable story, the eyes and ears feast on another dazzling action set piece.

Tom Cruise returns for the fourth time as Ethan Hunt, whose IMF government agency is shut down after it is framed for a bombing of the Kremlin. So Hunt organizes a team of rogue agents, including technology guru Benji (Simon Pegg), as well as newcomers Jane (Paula Patton) and Brandt (Jeremy Renner), to help restore the agency’s good name.

The agents use a combination of cunning and high-tech gadgetry to travel the world so they can stop a nuclear extremist, who was responsible for the bombing, from starting a global war.

The film marks the live-action debut of director Brad Bird (The Incredibles), who transitions seamlessly from computer animation into a stunt-filled collection of car chases, foot chases, shootouts and explosions.

The visuals are stylish and the pace is lively, which is necessary to mask the incoherent globetrotting plot. Of course, the film also includes the iconic theme song.

It’s hard to believe that Cruise has been playing Hunt for 15 years now (the actor will turn 50 next year), and he still seems to be having fun with the role, with Ghost Protocol arguably the most physically demanding film for him in the series to date.

It’s impossible to tell if this is the end for the Mission: Impossible franchise. The series is self-perpetuating by nature, able to restart itself at just about anytime because there is very little connection between one film and the next. Ultimately, box office receipts surely will be the judge.

Rated PG-13, 133 minutes.