'Mission': Acceptable.

Rating: 6/10 (13 October 2007)

My Take: Impressive action-with-style save the rather tepid script.
Departing from Brian DePalma's thickly-plotted (but actually more satisfying) original, Hong Kong action god John Woo took over the mission DePalma chose to accept, and while the movie is less plot, more action with emphasis of Woo's trademark style, this sequel lacks the sort of class and brilliance of its predecessor. Although many regards DePalma's original as "confusing" or "trivial", I much prefer the original over this flashy, globe-trotting sequel. Still, there are some moments here and their, but sadly, most of them happen during the climax (which probably prompted me to give this film at least a ***).
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II (aka MI:2) took the plot less seriously. But the problem this time is the plot is the one missing now. It has a plot that I hardly cared about, which leaves the film with a lot of dumb things going around. What we're left is an edgy, bloated action picture that has fun with its cool visuals and stunts without thinking about common sense. Just put "dumb" right in the middle of "action" and "movie" and enjoy the action-packed material.
Tom Cruise is back as CIA agent Ethan Hunt, sent on another mission to retrieve and destroy a genetically modified disease called the "Chimera" before it falls into the hands of the bad guys. The bad guys are lead by Sean Ambrose, played by Dougray Scott. Thandie Newton provide the lead female (I wouldn't call her the damsel-in-distress for she has a lot to do to be one) and Vhing Rhames is back as one of Hunt's old buddies.
The film's director is Hong Kong action director John Woo, who really knows how to make action movies, oriental or not. MI:2 may not be as triumphant as his other action bonanzas like FACE/OFF, but he still gives the action enough grit and cool to be notable. There are some neat car chases and loud motorcycle drives, but not only in the action sequences can Woo shoot good. There is one scene in the movie where Ethan Hunt walks through a dark corner and makes noise, scaring a couple of doves flying, in slow-motion. This wasn't an action sequence, but it's shot well to be just as terrific as one.
For good summer fun, MI:2 is not a bad choice. Yes, it's dumb. Yes, the plot does nothing more than string together Woo's stylish stunt sequences together, but it looks good and it does feel good. If only it were any better.
Rating: *** out of 5.