Synopsis:
An attempt to stop Hendricks, a crazy terrorist with nuclear launch codes, at the Kremlin ends in disaster as Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the IMF crew are implicated for the bombing and destruction of the Kremlin. The President disbands the IMF under ghost protocol and Ethan and his crew go rogue to clear the IMF name and stop Hendricks.
1. Technical Excellence 8/10 Stars
While watching Mission Impossible I couldn’t help but be in awe of the spectacular vistas and landscapes. Especially in the introduction scene where we soar over Budapest. Although, nothing is quite as amazing as the Dubai sequence. This particular sequence contains my favorite shot of the year, which flys majestically above the tower of Dubai. It simply takes ones breath away look down on that city scape in all it’s grandness and realize just how small we truly are. Apart from it’s fantastic landscapes and cityscapes, the cinematography is marked with fantastic composition and great leading lines which focus your attention right where Robert Elswit wants you to. The script is written well with short snappy dialogue and an edge of ridiculousness which adds an element of humor. Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, and Jeremy Renner all did fantastic jobs with the acting. I especially enjoyed Simons comedic timing in many scenes as well as Renner who played his part to a T. The editing and visual effects were excellent and the music (Michael Giacchino) brought everything together nicely.
2. Worldview 4/10 Stars
The most prevalent theme in MI4 is the message that the ends justify the means. This selfish concept is the dangerous idea that develops from Secular Humanism. Selfish because Ethan and his team will do whatever is necessary (lie, steal cars, steal clothing and a phone, kill, etc.) in order to fulfill their missions no matter the cost to others. Rather than do what is right, they choose, without a second thought, to do what is most convenient and advantageous to themselves. It is also a Utilitarian view which says that what is morally the high road is that which does the most good for the most people. MI4 is also marked by a heavy amount of violence. From a woman being kicked out a window dozens of floors up, to shooting, hand to hand combat, crashes, explosions, assassins, and many other deaths this movie is filled with much violent content. And the sad part is the context of the violence. Rather than showing the terrible nature of these deaths, the story moves right along as if to ignore the gravity of the situation. This shows a very low esteem of human life. Rather than being sacred it is disposable. Rather than having value, people are expendable.
One of the rare moments that I found positive in the film was a moment near the end when Ethan makes the statement, “It wasn’t your job to protect her Brant. It was mine.” A heroic statement that every man should take the time to let it soak in. The women in our lives, whether Wives, Sisters, Daughters or Mothers, must be protected. It is our God given duty to protect those whom God entrusts to our care. And Ethan at least got that aspect right. There is also a good camaraderie between the entire team. They are willing to risk their lives for the sake of the others.
3. Content 3/10 stars
Morality: Ethan steels a Hoodie and a phone
Sex: A woman is scantly clad with the intent to seduce a rich playboy, she also changes in car and is seen in her undergarments.
Potty Humor: Some planetary joke about Uranus is thrown out by one of the team members.
Violence: 4 deaths in the first few minutes, a prison struggle with hand to hand fighting, the Kremlin explodes, a train yard chase, a guard is shot in a safe, shooting on a bridge with visible wound to the head, a man with a family is killed in cold blood, two women fight in the hotel room and ends with one being kicked out the window, another guard is shot, a man drops to his death in car lot.
Language: many times the name of the LORD is taken in vain, Multiple uses of Curse words including, D–n, S–t, A–.
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