Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Spy franchise returns for more action-packed thrills.

PG-13 2011 133 minutes
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 15 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 93 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, 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.

Community Reviews

MarvelDAD
MarvelDAD Adult
May 29, 2021
age 10+

Great movie

mesupermanreverse
mesupermanreverse Adult
November 27, 2018
age 10+

Could it be any better!

Amazing comedy + action movie! It is my favorite movie . When you are watching it, I dont think you will want to get your eyes of the screen. They do missions, risk their lives, say jokes, run all the time and use their cleverness to find out stuff. It cant be any better!
See all 15 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCAL, 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about action movies. Does a movie like Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol 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?

Movie Details

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