Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol

CHICAGO – I was lucky enough to attend a press screening of Brad Bird’s “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” at the IMAX theater at Navy Pier and I wondered if my adoration for this incredibly fun movie was in part due to just being overwhelmed by the size of it in IMAX. Nope. I liked it even more the second time on Blu-ray. This is a fantastic action movie, the best film in the series and as fun a time as you could have with a new release in the genre. Don’t rent it, buy it.

CHICAGO – In a battle between action/thriller and Disney/animation, Mark Wahlberg’s new film “Contraband” came out on top. Battling all weekend against the 3D re-release of “Beauty and the Beast 3D,” “Contraband” was able to come in at number one after earning an estimated $24.1 million in its first weekend in theaters.

CHICAGO – After two weeks at the top of the box office, “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” has finally been dethroned. The new horror movie about demonic possession “The Devil Inside” dominated the weekend box office with an estimated $34.5 million, $14 million more than “Ghost Protocol,” which came in at number two.

CHICAGO – For the second week in a row, Tom Cruise and the newest “Mission: Impossible” chapter reigned supreme. “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” came in at number one with an estimated $31.3 million at the box office, a total up 6% from its total last weekend.

CHICAGO – In a weekend full of new releases and tons of options, the hot movie to see was “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” Six different movies were estimated at over $7.5 million, but “Ghost Protocol” was easily the tops with an estimated $26.5 million.

CHICAGO – Brad Bird proves that he can make the leap from Pixar to action with one of the best genre films of the year, the adrenalized “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.”

CHICAGO – For just a few minutes and to just a petite sampling of Chicago uber fans, Bane has risen. And if it were solely up to Nolan, he’d do it this way 20 more times.

CHICAGO – In our latest blockbuster edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol”!

CHICAGO – This is usually the time of year where we bemoan the months that have just passed and talk about the quality to come in the Fall. The fact is that if the upcoming season is half-as-good as the previous three, 2011 is going to be the best year in film in ages. It’s been a VERY strong year at the cinema and there’s every indication that we ain’t seen nothing yet.

CHICAGO – Since the early days of cinema, trailers have always been the best part of going to the movies. Forget about the movies themselves.