Woo Reinvigorates MI Franchise in Spectacular Actioner

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2000)

Although MI-1 struck me as astoundingly lame, Woo and Cruise team up to make MI-2 one of a rare breed; the sequel that kicks its predecessor's ass. Woo's trademark operatic visual style complements Cruise's harder edge. Cruises dead-on performance and Woo's eye for color, motion, and emotion give a thrilling snap to familiar formula. Of course the script is loaded with physics-defying action sequences, but none of the moments of jarring stupidity that derailed MI-1.
If you do not expect any great depth of thought, you will undoubtedly enjoy this kinetic eye candy.