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Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
- Review Date: December 16, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Spy franchise returns for more action-packed thrills.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the fourth installment in the popular Mission: Impossible franchise has all the hallmarks that made the previous incarnations successful: a twisty plot, a motley crew (led by Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt) on a spying mission, and lots and lots of jaw-dropping stunts and high-tech gadgetry. Expect tons of thrilling-but-violent action sequences, including assassinations and weapons that maim, bomb, and kill. The body count definitely adds up, but blood is minimal. There's also some swearing (including "s--t"), as well as some kissing and flirting, social drinking, and smoking.
What's the story?
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is locked in a Russian prison, but not for long. His new team (Paula Patton and Simon Pegg) assists him as he executes a flawless escape that lands him on the other side of the wall and smack into his next mission: to capture Cobalt, a terrorist determined to cause global havoc. The villain has found a way to make it look as if Hunt and his crew, which now also includes a mysteriously skillful analyst (Jeremy Renner), are rogues, leaving the U.S. government with little recourse but to put them on "ghost protocol" -- untethered and unassisted as they attempt to put a stop to Cobalt and his nefarious plans.
Is it any good?
Ethan Hunt is back, and so is Tom Cruise. Any fans who were put off by his tabloid-fodder exploits will be lured back by his considerable charms, which are all put to good use here. Though Cruise certainly isn't the only game in town this time around. Renner is a formidable addition (and if, as rumor might suggest, he does take over the franchise from Cruise someday, it could work), and Patton takes her heroine duties seriously, while Pegg keeps the patter light and chuckly.
Director Brad Bird, a veteran of memorable animated movies like The Incredibles and The Iron Giant, knows how to spin a thrilling yarn. The storyline is vintage Mission: Impossible -- international conspiracy, high stakes, ticking time bomb -- and includes enough high-tech wizardry to make any gadget fanatic swoon. Yes, the resuscitation of Cold War theatrics feels a mite too retro, and the ending borders on maudlin. Not that it makes a whit of difference. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL clearly accepted a mission to entertain, and it does so with flair.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about action movies. Does this kind of movie need violence in order to be thrilling?
How does the filmmaker handle the violent missions? Are they glamorized? If so, what effect does this have?
Is Ethan a role model? Why or why not?
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AGE
perhaps the most action-packed movie I've ever seen
Saw this in an Imax theater - the sound and video were incredible. The action is nearly non-stop and very exciting.
Theme of save-the-world, good v evil is a positive message to boys in my opinion who are exposed to lots of video game violence for the sake of violence/entertainment only. This film is not gory. But for those sensitive to it, be aware it is constant gunfire/explosions/car crashes/etc.
A little language, but less than most PG-13 films, and no f-bombs or over-the-top stuff.
Great film for Imax to take advantage of the technology and sound system. However, I suggest sitting in the back half of the theater because rapid motion is hard to process from the front. Also be aware that it is EXTREMELY loud.
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AGE
Mission Possible
Great movie no bad language nothing bad at all except this one character named John.He is a very bad actor
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AGE
great
this movie should be great but please parents keep in mind that this movie is rated PG13 for a reason an probably not the best movie for smaller kids
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AGE
The Mission Impossible franchise comes back better than ever
This movie is Great!! Tom Cruise brings his a game once again!! There is some noticeable product placement, Michael Nyqvist's Character is a terrible role model, though he is a villain. Other than that this movie is wonderful
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AGE
Looks great!
Have not seen this film, but it looks great. Probably lots of intense action and violence including some profanity useage.
Will kids want to see it?- A: If they like action/adventure thrillers films.
MPAA Rating: PG-13- For sequences of intense action and violence.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 19, 2011
AGE
Fun!
A nice treat. I haven't seen any other mission impossibles but for some reason I saw this one and it was really good:D It had nice action and the IMAX made the movie stand out!
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Kid, 10 years old
December 21, 2011
AGE
AWESOME
AESOME FUNNY GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
A welcome treat.
What a huge treat to see an entertaining and compelling action movie which does NOT contain the usual gratuitous nudity, sex, potty humor, recurring bad language, and blood splatters. I heartily thank the producers for being considerate of parents and families. Well done! We need more movies like this. The "violence" is copious, but it is "tastefully done," if there is such a thing.
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AGE
Tom Cruise is back for more ridiculous action and clever espionage.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol made it very clear to me when it was over that, while, this franchise is getting to be very tired and that this film didn't exactly regenerate it nearly as well as many critics and audiences alike seem to believe, it is still the best movie in the franchise, although that is saying next to nothing, considering that nearly every movie in the franchise get's a little bit better than the previous film, and that it is still a exciting average franchise.Still, with enough exciting and originally clever action sequences, including the already infamous tower climbing scene and a scene very early in the movie when they use a gadget that resembles a wall...well, that's all that I am saying, but I will tell you, that those are definitely great action movie making scenes, and Brad Bird also shows us that he can really do much more than just Pixar animated movie. Still, there is plenty of violence, intense action and some infrequent profanity. But, besides that, this is one outing in the franchise that is virtually harmless and can be watched with the family, I think. So, go check it out this Christmas, and enjoy it while it lasts.
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AGE
Mission complete
Mission Impossible is an insanely action packed movie about a man named Ethan (Tom Cruise) whose "mission" is to intercept nuclear bomb launch codes from an assassin. Lots of shootings, violence, suspense, and only one lingering kiss. The only consumerism is that every car they use is a BMW and they show electronic brands Canon and Apple. Very well done, and the twisted plot is sure to grab your attention.
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
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| Topics: | adventures |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Brad Bird |
| Cast: | Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Tom Cruise |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 133 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 16, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | April 17, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of intense action and violence |
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