John Woo's direction can be a little ridiculous with its action but better than the first.

Rating: 7/10 (25 July 2018)

Mission Impossible 2 (3.5 out of 5 stars).
Mission Impossible 2 is a stylized explosive action film that brings a little freshness into the series. And an improvement over a dull first movie. Tom Cruise is back and better than ever. The film does pack a little punch with action which the first movie was lacking.
The plot follows Ethan (Tom Cruise) being assigned to go after a rogue IMF agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott). Who steals a chimera virus and plans on making profit with the cure. Ethan is going to need help from Sean's ex girlfriend Nyah (Thandie Newton) who is a skilled thief.
The plot has a twist or two that will throw off the audience with surprises. Especially with the spy gadgets like facial mask to disguise themselves as somebody else.
The action sequences can be ridiculous in this film. With John Woo's stylized direction. Kind of has a spaghetti western action scene with Woo having white doves flying between the hero and villain. And slo mo scenes with characters giving stare downs with flames between them. Also, cars explode easier in this movie when they barely crash into another. But I am sure all this is for summer entertainment at the movies. With a thrilling opening sequence with Ethan free rock climbing to Nyah and Ethan having a showdown in their sports cars racing on the side of the mountain. Then, there is another stunt with Ethan repelling down to a secured building which leads to a firefight. And another climatic showdown with a motorcycle chase and Ethan going face to face with Sean.
Dougray Scott was good as the rogue agent. With a performance that looks like he has anger issues and is about to snap at any given moment. Thandie Newton was okay too that spies for Ethan. While Brendan Gleeson playing a character that works for a biocyte pharmaceutical company that created the virus. His character was dull and undeveloped. But good thing he was only in it for a small part of the film. Ving Rhames returns as Luthor, Ethan's sidekick and tech guy.
The music score by Hans Zimmer does bring some energy to the film mixing the theme song with a fast paced rock score.
Overall, Mission Impossible 2 is a pretty fair film. Better than the first movie. The action sequences are exciting and ridiculous. Have to keep in mind it is one of those blockbuster type of films. John Woo's direction can be a little cheesy with its style of white doves flying between characters or slo mo stare downs that try to build suspense. The plot is good which does slow down a little bit in the second act but picks back up with a wild bike chase and a fight sequence in the climax.