John Woo's style overbears MI tradition.

Rating: 6/10 (22 June 2000)

Mission Impossible II is an action movie for lovers of John Woo. It has all the elements of a Woo film: mirrored protagonist-antagonist, girl caught in the middle, even doves during action. It also has an abundance of Woo-style action. His famous slow-mos and superlative gunfire is all here. It's a great ride for those who are looking strictly for action. On the other hand, it has almost nothing to do with it's title. The only Mission Impossible tradition which has been maintained is the disguises the hero (and villain) wears. There is no ingenious sting, no avoidance and subterfuge - just in-your-face confrontation.
I'm not saying it was a bad film. For action fans, it's probably the best Woo film yet. Just don't go expecting it to bear any kind of connection to the TV show or even to the first Cruise MI.