Parents' Guide to Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Movie PG-13 2011 133 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

S. Jhoanna Robledo By S. Jhoanna Robledo , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Spy franchise returns for more action-packed thrills.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 18 parent reviews

age 11+

Based on 95 kid reviews

Kids say the latest installment in this spy franchise delivers high-octane action and thrilling stunts, particularly highlighting the memorable scene where the protagonist climbs the world's tallest building. While praised for its entertaining plot and character dynamics, some reviewers noted that elements of violence and sexual innuendo might not be suitable for younger audiences, although many felt the film remained an exciting watch for teens and adults.

  • action-packed
  • memorable stunts
  • mild sexual content
  • teamwork message
  • suitable for teens
  • language concerns
Summarized with AI

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?

Our review:
Parents say ( 18 ):
Kids say ( 95 ):

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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