Action movie enthusiasts are in for a treat tonight as one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the Mission: Impossible series, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, broadcasts on E4. Hailed by many fans as the pinnacle of the franchise, the film is renowned for its breathtaking, practical stunts and gripping plot.
Why Fans Call This The Ultimate Mission
In this fourth instalment, Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt, a top field agent for the secretive Impossible Missions Force (IMF). The story takes a dramatic turn when Ethan and his team are framed for a devastating terrorist attack on the Russian Kremlin. With the IMF disavowed by the President under 'Ghost Protocol', the team is left to operate off-grid without any of their usual support or resources.
Their mission becomes a desperate race against time to clear the agency's name and prevent a cunning strategist from sparking a full-scale nuclear war between Russia and the United States. Complicating matters further, Ethan cannot be sure if the fugitive agents he is forced to work with are truly on his side.
An All-Star Cast and Global Adventure
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast. Simon Pegg returns as the tech-wizard Benji, now promoted to field agent, Jeremy Renner plays intelligence analyst William Brandt, and Paula Patton joins as fellow agent Jane. Directed by Brad Bird in his live-action debut, the film was a global production, with filming locations spanning Moscow, Dubai, Mumbai, and Budapest.
Upon its release in 2011, Ghost Protocol was a massive box office success, earning $694.7 million (£531.3 million) worldwide and becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of that year. Critics and audiences alike praised Bird's dynamic direction, the intense action sequences, and Cruise's committed performance.
Audience Acclaim and Unforgettable Stunts
The film holds an impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where a chorus of fans proclaim it the best in the series. One reviewer captured the general sentiment, stating, "The best in the franchise, and an amazing movie! I love the action, the stunts, the story and so much more."
Another fan highlighted the film's thrilling core, writing, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol has amazing stunts, a great cast, and is above all thrilling." The commitment to practical effects, with Cruise and the cast performing many of the daring stunts themselves, is frequently cited as a key reason for the film's enduring appeal and visceral impact.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol airs on E4 at 9pm tonight, Friday 21 November. For those who believe in death-defying action and intricate spycraft, this is one mission you won't want to abort.
