John Woo makes this film everything it is...

Rating: 7/10 (8 April 2001)

If not for John Woo, this film would probably be quite horrid. The script needs *major* work, but the film works because of Woo's brilliance. Beautifully shot from end to end, this film survives on how gorgeous it is, and how amazing the action scenes are.
The biggest problem with the film is the pacing. The first hour and change is slow and all background, then all of a sudden there's three huge fast-paced action sequences in less than an hour. In fact, the film only seems to get good about an hour in. Too much information is given, and the outcome is so predictable that I knew how it would end less than halfway through. Also, the romantic aspect was much too cheezy and seemed to not only go overboard (and I *hate* Hollywood endings! Should have had a Ronin ending...) but seems to have little relevance. And while we're at it, Billy's character needed more screen time and more importance considering he was supposedly a member of the 'team'. Actually, it didn't seem like much of a 'team', should have been more team oriented action. I though the first action sequence (invasion of chem company) should have happened much earlier, which could have set up the story in a more interesting way (oh, nice touch to have an almost identical drop as the first film). As it stands, I liked the climbing scenes (Iko Iko was a nice touch - exact same music as opened Rain Man...coincidence?? I think not;) I liked the attempted theft scene. However, the Hopkins scene was tedious (too long and poorly scripted) and the car chase was frivolous (gotta have those chase scenes!!) and the romantic scenes were simple a waste of time and film.
The final two action sequences were vintage Woo however. The film picks up and *bam* great choppy repeat cuts, great stunts...and Cruise was *almost* convincing with that amusing martial arts/WWF kicking style...if only Ving Rhames had a bigger part...
Overall: this film was snazzy. It had spit-and-polish but wasn't *too* glossy. And although I don't expect intellect from a M:I film of all things, at least it could have had a decent plot. But the classic Woo action scenes make up for it to a point; a single dove flying through the flames as Cruise walks by...visually stunning! 7/10.