respectable sequel that lacks a definitive spark

Rating: Null/10 (4 October 2006)

Covert government agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is called into action once again to try and apprehend renegade agent-turned-black market dealer Sean Ambrose (Scott) who's in possession of a deadly biological virus that could spell doom if it falls into the wrong hands. Hunt's only chance to complete the mission is to recruit a feisty civilian and thief (Newton) to go undercover and retrieve vital information. Decent enough follow-up has some gimmicky plot devices, and plenty of director Woo's trademark action scenes/stunts, but they border on pretentious and the story drags on for too long. An inevitable romantic subplot fails to add any real depth, and the final confrontation doesn't pack quite the punch it really needs. **½