Explosions, Chase Scenes, Exotic Girl, Amounting to Nothing *sigh*

Rating: 4/10 (7 November 2000)

From the very start of M:I 2, it's very clear this is a John Woo movie. Movie, for film is not a proper word to describe this uninvolving, plodding, loud crash of cinematic debris.
Not picking up where Mission Impossible left off, M:I 2 brings Tom Cruise back as IMF agent Ethan Hunt given an assignment by Anthony Hopkins (inexplicably placed in a small, perfunctory role) who must stop European baddie Dougray Scott and American CEO Brendan Gleeson from releasing a deadly virus.
That's the extent of the story, and it's stretched out for an excruciating 2 hours of explosions, hilariously-bad dialogue, deadly-boring conversations, generic, one-dimensional characters, and of course, more explosions. Tom Cruise's calculating, emotional Hunt has been replaced by an indestructible, slick, larger-than-life persona that in no way resembles the Ethan Hunt of the first film. Before, he cared a great deal about his mission; now, he cares a great deal for danger and excitement, as clearly shown by the otherwise unnecessary, meant-to-blow-you-away rock climbing introduction.
Not to say that John Woo isn't a gifted action director. Face/Off is one of the most stunning, well-executed, fun action films ever done. However, it doesn't take itself too seriously, as the performances from Cage and Travolta demonstrate by exuding devilish wit and mischief. Mission Impossible 2, however, attempts to cover up its lack of story with seemingly intriguing scenes of a blood-letting virus (seen before in Outbreak and its countless ripoffs), exotic locales inhabited by criminals (scene in countless crime films), and of course, over-the-top action sequences which in themselves may be cool, but that's all they are. They don't really help further the story, because by the middle of the film, the story has gotten as far as it will go.
Screenwriter Robert Towne said his script was written according to action sequences dictated to him by director Woo, and it clearly shows. Mission:Impossible II is a collection of well-choreographed fight and grandiose action sequences, but that's it. Paying no homage to either the intrigue, deception and constantly twisting episodes of the TV series or the first installment of the film series, Mission: Impossible II is a sequel reaching only for the green, assaulting viewers with image, hoping they will not notice its lack of substance.
4 out of 10