An action packed thrill ride and one of Tom Cruise’s best films Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is the best pure action film of the year. From the first frame Protocol grabbed me and didn’t let go even in the few peaceful moments.

The world is in danger once again and only the IMF team can save it. A Russian maniac named Sidorov plans to hearken back to the cold war and “win” an atomic war. Sidorov (Vladimir Mashkov) determines that the world has no hope without it and naturally only America’s IMF team can stop him. The problem: the United States has disavowed the team and their only resource is a single train car full of amazing electronics and top level weapons.

To stop the maniac the IMF team must infiltrate the Kremlin steal files and escape scot-free. Unfortunately Sidorov has anticipated them and blows up the Kremlin and pins it on the hapless team. Now they must find away to grab Russian launch codes, find a way to control the tallest building in the world, capture or kill the Russian and prevent WWIII. All in a days work for the Mission Impossible boys and girls.

With stunning visuals and jaw dropping stunts it’s “impossible” to imagine a more perfect action junkie film. I damn near had to close my eyes during the ultimate climbing scene. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must climb up the side of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. 130 stories in the air the fearless Hunt dangled from his remaining climbing glove and gave the audience (and me) heart palpitations.

With Director Brad Bird at the helm, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is not only the best of the series but one of the best of the breed. Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton all add great depth to the film but it is Cruise that makes it. Cruise manages to expand his character and finally bring some real emotion to the part. He is the star!

One comment on Pegg: Simon Pegg is a great lead man (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) but he can also manages to be one of the best character actors of the day (Star Trek‘s Scottie and Impossible’s Benji). This guy is a traditional comic genius and cannot wait to see what he does next.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is a must see for all Movie Maniacs and action junkies but it’s also a should see for all movie fans.

Rating: 4.5 tubs of hot buttered popcorn and a large bag of Peanut M&Ms