Much anticipated, mucho let down

Rating: 3/10 (14 November 2004)

This was one of the most disappointing movies I have seen for several years. After the first Mission Impossible, I have wanted to buy the sequel. We watched it last night and have already put it on a garage sale pile.
I think the casting was adequate although I was hoping to see some continuity from the first movie (more than 2 characters) and possibly some recognizable star names. The plot concept was decent as well although it was rehashed via dialogue throughout the movie. These were not my issues with the movie.
I had trouble following some aspects of the movie (holes) while other scenes dragged on and on. There were also intended surprises/shockers throughout the movie. However, they were so blatantly advertised that an 8-year old would see them coming. The musical score was practically a neon sign advertising them as well. They were also were used so many times that the movie looked like a one-trick pony.
One other issue - martial arts. I love a good fight flick as much as anybody. However, I expect a MI movie to be more like a James Bond with secrecy and gadgets rather than like a Van Damme show.
Bummer!