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August 31, 2018

Crazy Rich Asians (2018) --- "The Only Thing Crazier Than Love Is Family."

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Plot Summary
Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. She's also surprised to learn that Nick's family is extremely wealthy and he's considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and something far, far worse -- Nick's disapproving mother. (1).



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs!
     Directed by Jon Chu (Now You See Me 2), screenplay written by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, and based on Kevin Kwan’s bestseller – Crazy Rich Asians (2018) is a hilarious romantic-comedy (rom-com) with an ostentatious style and a visual opulence. In recent years there have not been many good rom-coms. Sure some have been sweet and others have been borderline vulgar but the fact of the matter is that over the last decade rom-coms have been on a decline. However, Crazy Rich Asians not only restores the genre but also adds to it.

August 29, 2018

Alpha (2018) --- “Experience The Incredible Story Of How Mankind Discovered Man's Best Friend”



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
    Alpha (2018) is an entertaining family film that appeals to anyone’s sense of adventure and love of dogs. The film is set in the primitive world of prehistoric Europe and follows a young man, Keda, and a lone wolf. While on his first hunting trip with his tribe, Keda is injured and awakens to find out he's been left for dead. As he learns to navigate and survive the harsh and unforgiving wilderness he meets an injured and lone wolf abandoned by its pack. Rather than kill the wolf he decides to patches it up and develops a co-dependency relationship of survival. As they try to make it home before the deadly winter arrives, they encounter overwhelming odds and countless danger in this first story between man and man’s best friend.

August 27, 2018

White Fang (1991) --- "Boy Befriends A Wolf-Dog. Their Bond Will Warm Your Heart."

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Plot Summary
This adaptation of Jack London's wilderness tale focuses on young Jack Conroy (Ethan Hawke), who has arrived in Alaska to search for a gold mine. When Jack encounters White Fang, a dog/wolf hybrid who has been cruelly treated by his owner, Beauty Smith (James Remar), he rescues the canine from the jaws of death during a fight with a fierce bulldog. Aided by his friend Alex Larson (Klaus Maria Brandauer), Jack nurses White Fang back to health, and the animal becomes a close companion to the men. (1)



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
    First I would like to say that I have yet to read the book, White Fang, but after seeing this film I can say that I am more eager to do so. White Fang (1991) is loosely based on the Jack London’s novel, of the same name, and is a good family adventure that gets you involved with the story, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. The film does show animal cruelty in a couple scenes but before the film begins a disclaimer appears on the screen stating that all animal scenes were done safely and an animal protection program monitored the animals throughout the film’s production.
     Jack (Ethan Hawk) is an emotional person who often dreams of a life where he can stay with those he loves without being forced to move on. And the adventure he embarks on in Yukon territory fulfills this desire of his. We see glimpses of the harsh reality that is nature through steep mountain climbs and icy rivers. Amongst all the wildlife there are human tendencies that push people to survive their unending ordeals, and this makes the film so much more captivating. The story contains strong themes of friendship and loyalty between humans and animals and follows rugged people in a rugged land.
     The cinematography is beautifully shot and further enhances the beautiful Alaskan landscape. According to a few friends, Alaska is one of the few places that have some of the most beautiful frozen scenery than any other place, and you can see the evidence of that throughout the film. As aforementioned, the cinematography was beautifully shot but it is unclear as to why director Randall Kleiser (Blue Lagoon; Grease) chose not to shoot the film in anamorphic Panavision - Super 8 (2011), Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), and Battleship (2012). When filming in breathtaking parts of the world you have to take full advantage of the landscape through the camera lens. But other than that small issue the film is great. The background score by Basil Poledouris' (The Blue Lagoon) suites the film’s mood and theme perfectly, there were some touches of early 90’s Hans Zimmer sound like Bird on a Wire (1990) and K2 (1991). There is not a lot of action but the few moments that we are graced with are more than substantial for the film as a whole.
     The acting is pretty good. Ethan Hawk (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) is a relatively underrated actor of his generation but here, in one of his younger roles, as Jack Conroy, he does a good job and proves that he can take the lead as the primary focus. Jack’s story does not take place is without peril but the way he builds a relationship with the wolf-dog White Fang (played by the Alaskan malamute Jed) is touching to see. The training that the filmmakers did with the animals is impressive to see. Klaus Maria Brandauer (Out of Africa) shines as Alex, who ends up becoming a fatherly figure and business partner to Jack throughout the film.

    Overall, White Fang (1991) is a fun family film about the friendship between man and animal. This film is suitable for children and there are some good laughs for the adults. Whether you are a familiar with Jack London’s novels or not this film will warm your heart. I recommend this film to everyone.

"Mia Tuk. White Fang"
- Grey Beaver


Final Vote
Worth Seeing:  7.6 of 10 stars
Worth Buying:  7.6 of 10 stars

I hope you liked this post, subscribe to my blog via email HERE, send in your comments, and watch White Fang (1991).






Movies Similar 
Alpha (2018)
Balto (1995)
Bear (1988)
Call of the Wild (1972)
Eight Below (2006)
Far From Home: The Adventures of the Yellow Dog (1995)
Firehouse Dog (2007)
Grey, The (2011)
Good Boy! (2003)
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Fransisco (1996)
Iron Will (1994)
Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
K-9 (1989)
Keanu (2016)
Lassie (2005)
Life of Pi (2012)
Marmaduke (2010)
Max (2015)
Never Cry Wolf (1983)
Old Yeller (1957)
Snow Dogs (2002)
See Spot Run (2001)
Shiloh (1996)
White Fang (1991)
White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf (1994)
War Horse (2011)

August 24, 2018

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018) --- “We Thought We Heard The Last Of An All ABBA Musical. Well, Here We Go Again.”

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Plot Summary
In 1979 young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University -- leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam -- the latter whom she falls in love with, but he's also the man who breaks her heart. In the present day, Donna's pregnant daughter, Sophie, dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi. (1)



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
     Mamma Mia (2008) is not your typical musical. It’s based off the play that doesn’t have a sequel and is based on the 70’s music by the Swedish pop group, ABBA. I was 13 when I saw the first film in theaters with my mother and I fell in love with film, especially since I grew listening to classic songs from the 70’s and 80’s. But after 9 years I resigned myself to the fact that there was never going to be a sequel film. Two of ABBA’s members Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson, who produced and had a cameo in both films, were proud of Mamma Mia (2008) being a global box office hit that they did not feel or want a sequel. However, 7 or 8 years later they were presented with the sequel’s script by Ol Parker and Richards Curtis, and from there the sequel film was born.

August 22, 2018

Mamma Mia (2008) --- “A Daughter, Her Mother, Three Possible Fathers, And ABBA’s Music? This Is A Wedding You’ll Never Forget.”

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Plot Summary
Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile, Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day. (1)



Review
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     From stage to the big screen, director Phyllida Law has given Mamma Mia (2008) the care and attention it deserves to be a cult classic. With its shimmering Greek location and ABBA’s iconic songs from the 70’s and 80’s, Mamma Mia is an old school musical that is fun and entertaining.

August 20, 2018

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) --- “Minimum Experience, Maximum Damage. They’ve Got This. Right?”

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Plot Summary
The Spy Who Dumped Me tells the story of Audrey (Kunis) and Morgan (McKinnon), two best friends who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy. (1)


Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
     I have been eagerly anticipating the release of The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) since the moment I found out that one of my favorite actors, Sam Heughan (Outlander TV), was going to star in the film. Now, while I knew the basics about the film’s story and I have seen the trailers on numerous occasions, I did not know what I was to expect from the film. I’ve seen my fair share of comedies, mostly featuring men in the leading roles with almost no substance or high-octane action, but this film is different.

August 17, 2018

Spy (2015) --- “She Is Finally Getting Some Of The Action.”

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Plot Summary
Despite having solid field training, CIA analyst Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) has spent her entire career as a desk jockey, working hand-in-hand with dashing agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law). Using high-tech equipment and a hidden earpiece, Susan is the guardian angel who helps Bradley avoid danger. However, when Bradley is assassinated by Bulgarian arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), Susan wrangles her way into her first undercover assignment to help capture Boyanov and avenge Bradley. (1)



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
     Spy (2015) is a top-notch comedy film that could almost be considered a spy-parody film due to the ridiculous situation the characters find themselves in. For those expecting a James Bond type spy film will be sadly mistaken because that is not what this film is at all. Spy is similar to True Lies (1994), it is a comedy infused with generally serious actors  – like Jude Law (Captain Marvel; Fantastic Beast 2), Jason Statham (The Meg), and even Rose Byrne (Neighbors; Troy) – play goofy and ridiculous. characters Comedies are not meant to be taken seriously nor are they meant to be thought-provoking, they are just simply meant to entertain and be funny. And that is exactly what this film does.

August 15, 2018

The Meg (2018) --- “The Most Feared Predator In History...Is No Longer History And She's The Biggest Thing You Never Saw Coming.”

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Plot Summary
A massive creature attacks a deep-sea submersible, leaving it disabled and trapping the crew at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. With time running out, rescue diver Jonas Taylor must save the crew and the ocean itself from an unimaginable threat -- a 75-foot-long prehistoric shark known as the Megalodon. (1)


Review
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      The Meg (2018) follows a Chinese-based, deep-sea research facility that seeks new discoveries in the unexplored recesses of the Mariana Trench. A submersible team discovers a new level beneath the perceived bottom of the Mariana Trench, which leads to the discovery of unknown and previously extinct species. However, things start going awry when a thought to be extinct Megalodon attacks and disables the submersible, leaving its crew trapped at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. With time running short, team leader Dr. Zhao (Winston Chao) recruits former rescue diver Jonas (Jason Statham) to save the trapped team. Unbeknownst to everyone, this is not the first time Jonas has encountered the Meg. But this time she won’t stay confined to the Mariana Trench, especially when there is an expansive ocean to explore. Can Jonas and Dr. Zhao’s stop the Meg before it’s too late?

August 13, 2018

Deep Blue Sea (1999) --- "They’re Bigger, Smarter, Faster, and Meaner. How Fast Can You Swim?"

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Plot Summary
On an island research facility, Dr. Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows) is harvesting the brain tissue of DNA-altered sharks as a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease. When the facility's backers send an executive (Samuel L. Jackson) to investigate the experiments, a routine procedure goes awry and a shark starts attacking the researchers. Now, with sharks outnumbering their human captors, McAlester and her team must figure out a way to stop them from escaping to the ocean and breeding. (1)



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
     Deep Blue Sea (1999) is an adventurous water-based monster film of the thrilling kind. The film takes place in an isolated ocean facility where a group of scientists are researching and doing testing on Great White sharks to find the cure for Alzheimer’s. Due to testing and biologically altering their brains natural state, the ocean’s most top predator becomes a more intelligent hunter, the likes of which humans have not witnessed before.
     While this is another film about sharks terrorizing humans and going on a killing spree, this is no Jaws rip-off. There are some differences between the two films. Like the film’s location, the characters, the hunting down of the sharks, and even the sharks themselves. Let me explain. First, the film is located on an isolated under-water facility in the middle of the ocean, rather than on a vacation beach during the summer. Second, the characters are primarily scientists and shark experts with a couple of average Joes thrown into the mix. Third, because the characters are stranded in a mostly under-water facility their main goal is getting to the surface and call for help, while the sharks hunt them down like prey. Finally, due to the scientists’ testing on the sharks’ brains making them bigger, the sharks have much more intelligent than Jaws and subsequently making them an even more dangerous predator.  
     Director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2; 12 Rounds) and the writers – Duncan Kennedy (Bait), Donna Powers (The Italian Job), and Wayne Powers (The Italian Job) – have outdone themselves. Of course, Harlin is no Steven Spielberg and Deep Blue Sea is not a classic as Jaws but it still manages to stand on its own as a worthy thriller that forgoes much of the corniness of its kind. This film will either leave you on the edge of your seat or cause you to watch the whole movie from the gap between your fingers. The suspense starts to build from the opening scene and once all the necessary introductions are made the film takes off. At times there are moments when things tend to drag but considering how intense the rest of the film is, this drag gives your heart a chance to calm down before pounding all over again. The pace of the film is like an unpredictable roller-coaster filled with plenty of action, suspense, and realistic special effects to keep audiences entertained throughout.
     The cast performances are great. LL Cool J (NCIS LA; Host for Lip Sync Battle) was comical, Thomas Jane (The Mist; Punisher) was cool as the marine life expert who will obviously survive, Saffron Burrows (Troy; Mozart in the Jungle) pulls off the scientist whose research is her life, and Samuel L Jackson (Infinity War) gives an unforgettable speech. Aida Turturro (Sopranos), Jacqueline McKenzie (The Water Diviner), Stellan Skarsgard (Mamma Mia 1 & 2; Thor), and Michael Rapaport (Friends) were great.

     Overall, Deep Blue Sea (1999)  is a gory and thrilling shark film that can hold its own against Jaws. The story was suspenseful and leaves you on the edge of your seat throughout most of the film. The sharks are even scary than Jaws, mainly due to their advanced intelligence which has made them into an even deadly predator. The performances are satisfying with some moments of comedy to round them out. While this is not Jaws it is still a well-made thriller that manages to forgo most of its corniness, although some cannot be helped due to the time it was released. If you’re a fan of shark films like Bait and Jaws or you’re planning to see The Meg (2018) then I highly recommend this film.

"She may be the smartest animal on the planet, but she's still just an animal. Come to mama."
- Dr. Susan McCallister [after slashing her hand to use the blood as bait]


Final Vote
Worth Seeing:  7.2 of 10 star
Worth Buying:  7.2 of 10 stars

I hope you liked this post, Subscribe HERE, send in your comments, and watch Deep Blue Sea (1999).


Movies Similar 
47 Meters Down (2017)
The Cave (2005)
Deep Blue Sea 2 (2018)
Into the Blue (2005)
Into the Blue 2: The Reef (2009)
Into The Storm (2014)
Jaws (1975)
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 3-D (1983)
Jaws 4: The Revenge (1987)
The Meg (2018)
Open Water (2004)
Piranha 3D (2010)
Poseidon (2006)
Sanctum (2011)
The Shallows (2016)
Shark Night 3D (2011)
Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Splice (2010)

August 9, 2018

Darkest Mind (2018) --- “The Ones Who Changed Will Change Everything. If Your One Of Us, Come Find Us.”

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Plot Summary
When teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are seen as a threat by the government and sent to detainment camps. Sixteen-year-old Ruby soon escapes from her captors and joins other runaways who are seeking a safe haven. Banded together and on the run, they soon combine their collective powers to fight the adults who tried to take away their future. (1)




Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
     When I heard they were adapting Alexandra Bracken’s YA science-fiction thriller series The Darkest Minds, I knew that I had to read the books and I immediately fell in love with them. Book readers are always the toughest critics and most fail to give credit where it is due. Taking a 10-hr read into a 2-hr film is nothing short but tough and despite eliminating or changing a few minor details, the film was a great adaptation. In fact, The Darkest Minds (2018) is way more accurate than I expected which makes it one of the best adaptations that I have seen in a while, at least when it comes to having read the film’s source material.

August 8, 2018

The 5th Wave (2016) --- "After Aliens Invade Earth, A Girl Goes On A Journey To Find Her Lost Brother. What She Discovers Will Blow Your Mind."

Plot Summary
The human race stands on the brink of extinction as a series of alien attacks decimate the planet, causing earthquakes, tsunamis, and disease. Separated from her family, Ohio teenager Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) will do whatever it takes to reunite with her brother Sam. Fate leads her to form an alliance with Evan Walker (Alex Roe), a mysterious young man who may be her last hope. Forced to trust each other, Cassie and Evan fight for survival during the fifth assault from the invaders. (1)



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
     I can understand the reasoning behind the negative reviews for The 5th Wave (2016) but I do not believe that this is a completely awful film. Now keep in mind that I have not read the book so my perspective is solely based on the film itself. Despite being an avid book reader this book did not exactly peak my interest, however, it was entertaining to my brother, who is not much of a book reader. I consider this film to be an average if not above average Young Adult (YA) adaption. Now while it’s not perfect and there are a few cringe-worthy moments, this film has a few noteworthy moments that I feel more than makeup for the issues expressed by other critics.

August 7, 2018

The Host (2013) --- "Choose Your Own Destiny; To Believe, To Love, To Fight. Or You Will Be One Of Them."

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Plot Summary
Earth has been colonized by the Souls, an alien race that wipes out the minds of humans and turns their bodies into hosts for interstellar travelers. Most of mankind has been eradicated, but some, like Melanie (Saoirse Ronan) and her family, have survived and are hiding. Melanie is captured by a Seeker and has a Soul named Wanderer implanted in her body, but she refuses to relinquish control. When Wanderer betrays her people to save Melanie, the Seeker sets out in relentless pursuit. (1)



Review
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     After the relative success of the Twilight series on film, author Stephenie Meyer puts her touch on another young adult piece that takes us into a post-apocalyptic world after aliens invade planet Earth. The Host (2013) is an unexpectedly entertaining film with a subtle sci-fi story that offers a new kind of alien invasion about survival, perseverance, love, and the discovery of one’s identity. Part of the film’s success relies on the director and writer Andrew Niccol, who is the mastermind behind Gattaca (1997), The Truman Show (1998), and In Time (2011). His experience with these films is exactly what The Host needs, especially when the book has a lot of inner dialogue.

August 6, 2018

Mission Impossible - Fallout (2018) --- "Some Missions Are Not A Choice. And Some Choices Require A Mission."

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Plot Summary
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team join forces with CIA assassin August Walker to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. Arms dealer John Lark and a group of terrorists known as the Apostles plan to use three plutonium cores for a simultaneous nuclear attack on the Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca, Saudi Arabia. When the weapons go missing, Ethan and his crew find themselves in a desperate race against time to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. (1)



Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs! 
    Usually, by the sixth installation, a series is starting to push it. But Mission Impossible – Fallout (2018) is an exciting action-packed espionage sequel that we have been waiting to see. Fallout is both the best Mission Impossible film to date and one of the best action films of this year. Before watching Fallout I always say James Bond, Jason Bourne and Mission Impossible’s Ethan Hunt as sort of action-spy film brothers. James Bond is the responsible overachiever oldest brother, Jason Bourne is the strong and somewhat rebellious second brother, and Ethan Hunt is the independent, risk-taking, rule-breaker little brother. But now after seeing Fallout, I can safely say that Bond and Bourne have to step up their game.

August 3, 2018

Mission Impossible - Rouge Nation (2015) --- Desperate Time Call For Desperate Measures... Its Time To Go Rouge."

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Plot Summary
With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat -- called the Syndicate -- soon emerges. The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a disavowed British agent who may or may not be a member of this deadly rogue nation. (1)



Review
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     Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) is one of the best action-spy films of 2015 and is one of the best in the franchise as each installment in the series gets better and better. Director and writer Christopher McQuarrie (Mission Impossible - Fallout) has created a superb film that contains suspense, mystery, drama, high-tech gadgets, action, and much more. It is quite obvious that most of the time the good guys win but in this film, nothing is certain as the majority lies with the bad guys. The story enough plot twist to entertain and make all the previous MI look like a walk in the park but luckily there is enough comedy to cut through the foreboding. The music score (Joe KramerJack Reacher) plays with subtle bursts of the theme song, while most of the action and stunts contained almost zero CGI. Although most spy films have a fast pace this one also slows down during some moments that allow for some intelligent character development.

August 1, 2018

Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) --- "No Plan. No Backup. No Choice."

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Plot Summary
Blamed for a terrorist attack on the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the entire IMF agency are disavowed by the U.S. government, while the president initiates the Ghost Protocol. Forced to go "off the grid" -- left without resources or backup -- Hunt must somehow clear the agency's name and prevent another attack. Complicating matters even more, Ethan must undertake the impossible mission with a group of fellow IMF fugitives whose actual motives are suspect. (1)



Review
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     After the success left Brian De Palma(Mission Impossible), John Woo (Mission Impossible 2), and JJ Abrams (Mission Impossible 3), it is understandable to doubt the next director’s skill. Especially when said director’s previous film credits are animated family films and this is his live-action debut. However, director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille) does not disappoint and his ability to hold his own say something about the quality Bird brings to the table. In short, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011) is a great addition to a rare franchise that manages to get better with each new installment.