Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Saved Tom Cruise’s Franchise and Set a New Standard

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In the movie “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” Tom Cruise took on a mission that aimed to demonstrate the continued relevance of the “Mission: Impossible” series. Although “Mission: Impossible 2” was financially successful, its critical reception was mixed, and while “Mission: Impossible III” improved upon its predecessor’s reviews, it didn’t do well at the box office. This suggested that the franchise might be over after the third installment, but Tom Cruise, who has shown tremendous resilience, proved otherwise. The third film underperformed due to negative publicity surrounding Cruise’s personal life, which reduced his box-office pull. However, this didn’t stop Cruise, and with “Ghost Protocol,” he showed that both he and the franchise were still strong contenders. Notably, the success of “Ghost Protocol” single-handedly revived the franchise and set it on a course for greatness.

Under the guidance of director Brad Bird in his first live-action project after hit animated films like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol unfolds. This film marks the IMF’s closure due to accusations that they were involved in a Kremlin bombing incident. As a result, Ethan Hunt (played by Cruise) and his team must take matters into their own hands to prove their innocence. The screenplay for this movie was penned by Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec, with an impressive cast including Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Josh Holloway, Anil Kapoor, Léa Seydoux.

‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ Doesn’t Just Rely on Tom Cruise

In contrast to dominating every “Mission: Impossible” film as the central figure, Tom Cruise intelligently distributes the limelight among his co-stars in “Ghost Protocol,” creating a unique identity for the movie compared to its predecessors. The concept of teamwork is strongly highlighted in this fourth installment, possibly due to the plot’s structure that requires the team to function without the usual resources they have previously enjoyed. Although audiences are accustomed to Cruise as the main attraction and the franchise’s foundation on his portrayal of Bruce Geller’s legendary character, “Ghost Protocol” understands that a leading man shines brighter when supported by an outstanding ensemble cast who elevate the action and grandeur.

In Ghost Protocol, each secondary character seems well-developed, offering viewers characters to connect with beyond Ethan Hunt. This strategy helped mitigate any potential Cruise fatigue, considering some moviegoers might have been put off by his public statements and controversial behavior. By sharing the film’s weight among the cast members, the fourth installment found alternative routes to success. The return of Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn and the introduction of Paula Patton as Jane Carter (a shame she only appeared in this film) were crucial aspects of this approach.

It seems that Jeremy Renner’s character, William Brandt, plays an equally significant role, or perhaps even more so, in the Mission: Impossible series. Initially, it appears as if Brandt was meant to assume a greater role in future installments, or possibly take over the franchise entirely if Cruise decided to step back. In “Ghost Protocol,” the movie feels like a true team effort, where every character gets their chance to stand out or move the plot forward. The fact that Hunt acknowledges this team dynamic at the end of the film, during a drink with his colleagues, reinforces the new direction of Cruise’s Hunt not having to shoulder the entire franchise alone, even though he certainly could.

The storyline carries a strong sense of immediacy since our protagonists find themselves in a predicament where they risk losing all sources of power. Unlike before, they lack the usual support system, intensifying the drama of this movie. There’s a tension that hadn’t been felt in earlier versions, stemming from the numerous obstacles they face, and it doesn’t subside until their innocence is proven.

It’s refreshing to notice that even their plans aren’t flawless, as there are errors occurring throughout, requiring them to adapt when everything seems meticulously arranged for a seamless execution of their missions. For example, during the movie, their disguise machine malfunctions at a critical moment with Sabine Moreau (Seydoux), causing them to hastily change plans. Such instances compel the team to think quickly and generate suspense that surpasses the spectacular action sequences, providing an engaging experience for the audience.

Brad Bird’s Direction Sets the Future Tone of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Franchise

Discussing set pieces, some remarkable ones can be found in “Ghost Protocol,” and Bird demonstrates an exceptional ability to conjure magic within the live-action realm. It’s challenging to recall when this series became synonymous with Tom Cruise’s death-defying feats, but the free solo climbing in “Mission: Impossible 2” may have set the precedent. If that scene established the benchmark, “Ghost Protocol” surpassed it by having Hunt scale the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. For many viewers, this demonstrated an unprecedented level of dedication from Cruise, and what’s most striking about the stunt is its authenticity.

In this rephrased version, let me say that CGI is concealing the cables utilized for Cruise’s vertical mission, yet it should be noted that the stunt itself is absolutely genuine and leaves viewers with a palpable sense of the true height and peril involved. This collaboration between actor and director is an ideal blend, as Bird skillfully showcases Cruise at his most impressive while he scales a building that any other actor would justifiably find daunting.

It can’t be overstated how much credit Bird deserves for laying the groundwork that shaped the future of the franchise, as demonstrated in films like “Mission” and particularly “Ghost Protocol”. Christopher McQuarrie’s subsequent achievements are truly astounding, but it was Bird who set a new standard with “Ghost Protocol”, showcasing just how grandiose the series could become. It seems that Tom Cruise was so impressed by Bird’s work on “Ghost Protocol” that it became the benchmark for the style of Hunt’s spy escapades in subsequent installments.

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2025-05-24 21:32