Fun action movie, but not a good Mission: Impossible movie

Rating: 7/10 (30 August 2015)

Now after reviewing the first movie, this time, we accelerate to a sequel that many critics and fans considered this to be the weakest film of the series. However, is it the worst? Here it goes: Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt goes on a mission to Sydney, Australia alongside with his IMF team as they go after a deadly virus to be destroy. Also, keeping a lookout on a thief, who happens to be in a relationship with our main villain Sean Ambrose. That doesn't sound much like a plot, don't you think? I guess that's all up to you. The plot I will admit isn't as interesting as the plot from the first one as that one was trying to be more of a mystery movie. This one, however, its just pretty much a simplistic plot with plenty of action. I don't mind plots being simple, but it would've been something if it has a plot that is actually more interesting. Aside the plot for being weak, the plane from the opening scene of the movie is purely CG, and it really doesn't look good at all; at least the bird went through a fire (also CG that appears toward the end) doesn't look as bad as the plane. Thandie Newton does an OK job for her performance, but her character isn't as compelling as any other female leads that I've seen in movies. So those were the issues, but is there anything good? Yes, there is. I thought Tom Cruise does a great job for reprising his role, and really is good for doing his own stunts. I love how he was introduce, during the opening scene where he is rock climbing. Also, him rock climbing is all done for real. Kudos to Cruise and the filmmakers for filming that scene for real instead of filming it on a set. Dougray Scott does a fine job for playing a villain, but don't find him to be complex enough. Nevertheless, I have fun watching him. The rest all did fine. John Woo's direction is actually not that bad at all. He does a fantastic job on the action scenes, and also knowing where to point the camera at. Moreover, on the action scenes, they're exciting to watch and really love the final confrontation between Ethan Hunt and Sean Ambrose. Hans Zimmer's music is very different than Danny Elfman's, but I love his arrangement on the theme song and how he provides his own take of the music for the movie. When I hear the guitar riffs, I just go flat out crazy because it makes you want to rock out. I love the look of Australia as it was being filmed. Also, never I find this to be boring. Sure the plot is weak, but I can just put this movie in and enjoy it for its mindless entertainment. All in all, its a John Woo movie and he has own unique style on making this movie. It may be the weakest film of the series, but I don't think its actually the worst that I've ever seen. Overall, "Mission: Impossible II" is a fun action movie, but not a good "Mission: Impossible" movie. I give it a 7 out of 10.