It's funny, I agree with both of these statements, however my counter for each is that: GP had the more impressive set-pieces but RN had a better everything else, and MI3 had the better villain but RN had a better everything else (including set-pieces). So basically, to me, it had the SECOND-best set-pieces of the series and the SECOND-best villain of the series, and then on top of that it was much stronger in the areas where both of those had deficiencies. So ultimately RN still comes out on top for me, as I feel it's the most well-rounded of them all and has the higher overall batting average, if that makes any sense.
Ghost Protocol also had the Kremlin sequence. The screen/projector gadget they use is fantastic, not to mention tense and hilarious at the same time. I think those sequences in particular - also the great opening at the prison, just pip Rogue Nation at the post. But I'd say Rogue Nation has the better plot, perhaps.
Better script, better villain, better female lead, and I'd argue better character dynamics in general. This is the first time I really felt Ethan's relationships to the rest of the team - his concern for Benji's welfare, Luther's loyalty to him and wariness of Brandt's intentions, all the wonderful push and pull with Ilsa and the team's varying thoughts and reactions toward her...it just seemed like these were all fully formed characters who fit together in much more complex and interesting ways than GP, imo. Don't get me wrong, again I ADORE GP and one of the reasons I did so was because of the team dynamics, but that was mainly all fun, with a shoehorned-in emotional thread about the people Ethan, Carter and Brandt "failed" to save - but I felt this one evolved that team dynamic and gave it some much needed (and more organic) depth and gravitas on top of the fun.
That's a series highlight, and much better than MI2's counterpart IMO.
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That's what I loved about that rescue. She was at such a great risk of drowning because we were shown she could barely hold her breath long enough to make it in there in the first place, but she went anyway.
In addition, how if they exert too much energy like rescuing Hunt and trying to pull the hatch lever it uses up more oxygen. All those factors made me so in awe of her and this actress Rebecca executes Ilsa so superbly I'd rank her a close 2nd to Furiosa for this year's kickass/badass/awesome female character.
Maybe villain Sin? But I'd love for Rebecca to replace Scarjo as Black Widow.
