These are in the possession of a rogue scientist who blows up the Kremlin, for which Hunt and his IMF colleagues get blamed. Disavowed and on the run, Hunt assembles a team that includes Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg to do what they do best, involving all the usual tricks of computer hacking and face masks to try to get close to the baddies.

But it's best not to worry too much about the details of what is not always the most involving plot, and just luxuriate in the action.

It's a series that has built its reputation on showcasing some of the most imaginative stunts ever to grace the screen, generally involving Cruise flying through the air for one reason or another.

The level of gadgetry and flair here makes the early films look prehistoric, and the standout sequence – involving Hunt scaling the outside of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – is awe-inspiring, especially if you see the movie in IMAX.

It's also great to see Cruise back on top form, as charismatic as he's ever been, and while Pegg returns from MI3 to provide a nice injection of humour and Renner offers solid support, there's never any doubt that Cruise is the star.

Running Time: 133 mins

Director: Brad Bird

Breathtaking flair marks a return to form for the action franchise

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL (12a)

SEE IT IF YOU LIKED:

Mission Impossible III, Quantum of Solace