The film does have a lot of problems, but I didn't think it was awful

Rating: 7/10 (23 May 2010)

Despite the convoluted plot, I thoroughly enjoyed the first Mission:Impossible, because it was brisk, it was well made and it was slick. Watching the sequels, I know the second is considered the worst of the series, but while I enjoyed the third film too personally I thought that was the weakest. Mission:Impossible 2 does have a lot of problems, but I didn't find it awful. The plot is less convoluted here, which I appreciated, but what was missing was the brisk efficiency of the first film. The pacing consequently in the first half is very pedestrian and it is only at the half-way mark when it picks up. Also the dialogue is very uneven, sometimes it sparkles sometimes it fizzles. My third and final flaw is Dougray Scott, I have nothing personal against him but his performance as the thief I found very by-the-numbers here. On the plus side, the direction is innovative, the sets, lighting and cinematography are superb, the stunts and special effects are mind-blowing and the music was delightful. And the acting was above decent, with Tom Cruise good in his role, but he is overshadowed by a very fetching Thandie Newton, the ever wonderful Anthony Hopkins and a charismatic Ving Rhames. Overall, decent sequel but the first is better. 7/10 Bethany Cox