Definitely improves on the first film, with better action and a simpler plot

Rating: 8/10 (28 September 2016)

Mission Impossible II, the sequel to the original 1996 film, is a definite improvement in many regards. While the general consensus amongst critics seems to criticise the weak plot and poor characters, it doesn't focus on the positives of the film, namely the improved action, a simple narrative, and a brilliant music score.
Mission Impossible I is renowned for a lack of action, with focus devoted to developing a plot so complicated no one has a chance of following it without pausing to think about it. Ethan Hunt is about the only person who gets any proper character development, and the film feels as though it drags on forever and ever (the theft of the NOC files felt like an eternity!)
But Mission Impossible II is paced better, with an easier to follow plot, more character development and a music score that is far less boring than that of the first. Maybe the first has a more engaging plot (as confusing as it is), and the action scenes of this film may be unnecessary in some regards, but these aren't sins to the movie, and for the most part it is entertaining.
The film stars actor Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, who, other than a new haircut, brings back the same stunning character from the first into the dangerzone. Tom Cruise, also acting as producer for the film, insisted on doing his own stunts, and does a brilliant job of portraying his character.
The story is simple, which for some is reason for criticism, however I view it as a positive. Hunt is assigned the task of recruiting master-thief Naya (Thandie Newton), for a mission to take down suspected mole of IMF Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who is planning to release a disease, Chimera, and charge a hefty price on its antidote. In recruiting her, the pair form an intimate relationship, one of which will prove risky in regard to the mission.
Having recruited the help of tech-whiz Luther (Ving Rhames) from the first film, and pilot Billy (John Polson), the four travel to the land down under, Australia, with Naya sent to infiltrate Sean's mansion in Sydney, using a method other than her thieving capabilities. It is this that bothers many viewers, as Naya plays a role no more than a romantic interest for most of the movie. However, there was only one major female antagonist in the first movie who did little more, so this is still an improvement.
The film takes place in Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Perhaps being my home city I am biased, but it is great to finally see Sydney in an action film. However, unsurprisingly, the errors in geography bother me. There is absolutely no way the team would have landed in the middle of a desert, near Broken Hill, a town more than 1000km from Sydney, when arriving. out of the way to be doing so. It's moments like these that would make people think Sydney is smack-bang next to the desert; it isn't even close.
I cannot see how Sean and Ethan get onto a semi-rural road towards the end of the film in the motorbike chase. I don't believe there is any such road, at least near to the CBD, though I could be wrong. It's also a shame the Sydney Harbour Bridge isn't part of the motorcycle chase in some way. However, this would have made even less geographical sense than it already did.
There is also the fact that Sean somehow gets his car into Darling Harbour, which would have definitely turned eyes in a pedestrian- only precinct, but we can disregard this minor detail.
The film can be commended for its romance, which while not perfect, is far better than the sloppy attempt at one in the first film. It also allows for development of another character other than Hunt himself. Sean Ambrose is a fairly decent villain, and is at least known for the entire film unlike Job in the first, allowing proper development of his character. However, just about every character other than Hunt could have done with more development.
Action in this film is far better than that of the first. Combat scenes are much more engaging, including most prominently the motorcycle scene, and the theft scene is paced a lot better than that of the NOC files in the first. As mentioned the plot is far simpler, although there are many plot holes. The film's original cut was at almost 3 hours, which explains why many parts of the film do not make sense.
The film features a score by Hans Zimmer who, infamous for his intertwining of electronic instruments into orchestras, brings a stunning rendition of the Mission Impossible theme, with electronic guitars and percussion that bring out the most intense action scenes.
It's a shame more Australians didn't star in this film; John Polson is the only actor who plays an Australian in the film, who unsurprisingly has a stereotypical Steve-Irwin styled accent, and says the word 'mate' way too much. You'll be hard pressed to find an Aussie who actually sounds like that. While Richard Roxburgh is an Australian, his character Hugh Stamp is (apparently) South African.
Overall, this film is a good watch. Perhaps the plot is simplistic, with characters who need more development. However, the action is far better, with the movie not being as close to slow and boring as the first. The romance is also greatly improved. Setting the film in Sydney, a city little seen on the silver screen, was a wise choice.
This film is well worth a watch. Don't expect the best movie you've ever seen, but don't expect nothing either; you will be rewarded.