Dumbed-down spy flick

Rating: 7/10 (26 May 2000)

In comparison with the original movie, "Mission Impossible 2" had a much clearer, easier to follow script. Whether this helps or hinders the film comes down to how it is interpreted by the individual in the audience; which excites you more, crafty plot and shady characters, or state of the art action scenes?
The action and f/x are no doubt exhilarating, the best Hollywood money can buy, but the script follows the basic action movie plan: a good guy, good guy's buddies, a bad guy, bad guy's buddies, and somewhere in between, the mentor who sends good guy off to adventure, and the attractive love interest that provides a good reason to buy the movie poster (Notice that Tom Cruise is the only person on the poster!).
Now, this is an action flick, and therefore character depth and development are not necessary themes the moviegoer should look for, but "Mission Impossible" exists in the world of the spy genre, where nobody can be trusted and additional viewings and a good eye are required to catch and fully understand the plot. This film was far too simple to be considered in this respect.
The filmmakers do attempt to add some spice, filming in exotic locations with some rather well-done shot sequences, but there are some shots that are done poorly. For example, typically when the director is going to order a straight-forward closeup of an actor's face, the intent is to draw the audience's attention in to set up an important scene. Here, close-ups abound to serve only as eye candy or deliver dumb dialogue such as: "Damn, you are beautiful".
As I stated before, this movie was produced with no restraint on the budget, but as many big-budget films tend to be, this one is beautiful but shallow.
7 out of 10.