Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, released on December 16, 2011, is the fourth installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, directed by Brad Bird. This film marks a significant shift in the series, emphasizing high-stakes action and elaborate stunts while introducing new characters and dynamics to the team. Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt, who leads a team of IMF agents on a mission to stop a nuclear disaster.
The plot kicks off with the assassination of IMF agent Trevor Hanaway (Josh Holloway) by the deadly assassin Sabine Moreau (Lea Seydoux), who steals Russian nuclear launch codes for a man known only as "Cobalt." After Hunt is extracted from a Moscow prison, he learns that the IMF has been implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, leading to its disavowal by the U.S. government. The President invokes "Ghost Protocol," which disavows the IMF and leaves Hunt and his team to operate without official support.
Hunt assembles a new team consisting of field agent Jane Carter (Paula Patton), tech expert Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and analyst William Brandt (Jeremy Renner). Together, they must track down Cobalt, whose real name is Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist), and prevent him from using the stolen codes to launch a nuclear attack. The team's mission takes them to various locations, including Dubai, where they execute a daring operation at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. This sequence features one of the film’s most iconic stunts, with Cruise performing a breathtaking climb on the building's exterior.
The film's action sequences are complemented by its humor and character development. Each member of Hunt's team brings unique skills to the table, allowing for dynamic interactions and teamwork throughout their perilous mission. The climax sees a tense race against time as they attempt to stop Hendricks from launching missiles while dealing with personal stakes that test their loyalty and resolve.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, inventive action sequences, and engaging plot. It grossed over $695 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $145 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2011. Critics praised Bird's direction for revitalizing the franchise and enhancing its appeal through both thrilling action and character-driven storytelling.
Overall, Ghost Protocol successfully reinvigorated the Mission: Impossible series, setting a high standard for future installments with its blend of intense action, humor, and emotional depth. The film solidified Tom Cruise's status as an action star and established new dynamics within the IMF team that would carry through subsequent films in the franchise.