This is the fourth movie in the series that follows Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) as a secret agent that takes on the most dangerous spy missions in the world. This new installment is no different only this time he and his team have been blamed for an attack on the Kremlin and have been disavowed. Now, on their own as wanted fugitives, they must find a Russian villain hell bent on launching a nuclear attack on the world.

I get to write this review from an unique viewpoint as I have never seen a previous installment -- including the film series or the classic television show -- of Mission Impossible. As a completely new person to this popular series I can safely say that the new film works for people who are foreign to the series. It does have nods to previous films along with some back story that audience members who are familiar with the previous films would recognize that I was unfamiliar with, but it didn’t detract from the story in this highly entertaining action movie.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol if anything is a very clear and easy movie to follow and enjoy. Although it is essentially a “who dunnit” type of movie, the plot doesn’t get overly complicated which often happens in spy films. In addition the film puts a lot of weight into its characters, and it has the right actors to pull it off. Simon Peg is great as the computer nerd-turned-agent, and the role of Ethan Hunt is made for Tom Cruise, who is an excellent actor and can pull off the crazy stunts in a believable fashion.

Speaking of stunts, the Dubai tower scene where Tom Cruise actually hangs off the top of this building (no green screen here) is absolutely incredible! To put it even more over the top, the entire scene is shot with IMAX cameras and the results are sensational -- the extra cost to see this on a real IMAX screen is worth every penny for this scene alone. The movie has several thrilling action scenes but it will be remembered for the tower scene, especially by those with a fear of heights.

Brad Bird, who is responsible for The Incredibles, The Iron Giant, and some of the better episodes of The Simpsons, makes his live action debut as director and proves it doesn’t matter what format he tells his story in...he can tell stories. His ability to build compelling stories within the context of his stories is second to none. Bird is one of my favorite filmmakers currently working, and I hope he returns to animation for an Incredibles sequel (which he has recently mentioned in interviews).

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is a slick, fast-paced, well-balanced action movie. Perhaps the best action movie since the last Bourne movie. As someone who has not seen any of the prior movies, my take on it is that it doesn’t matter if you are new to the series or a big fan, the movie is accessible to everyone. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is one of the best films this winter season, and I fully recommend seeing this movie -- and, if at all possible, see it in IMAX.

Films like Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol – Bourne Identity, James Bond films and True Lies

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Justin Buettner is Style's resident movie dude! How did he get this role? Well, he graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in film Production and a duel minor in Animation and Business with an emphasis in the entertainment field. He later went on to work on several independent films in various key roles including writer and later worked in the special effects field as a motion capture artist. He has since relocated to the Sacramento area with his family and continues writing for small independent films in addition to his movie reviews for Style Magazine.

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