better than the first

Rating: 9/10 (1 June 2000)

I guess saying "better than the first" isn't really saying all that much considering how absolutely terrible the direction of Brian DePalma along with the lagging and occasionally incoherent script of the first film. But this one isn't bad at all. Not by a longshot. As a matter of fact, it embodies all that the past two james bond films have lacked: chemistry and involvement along with a slight unbelievability. The script is somewhat charming, although not anything totally out of the norm for your typical action film. I think we all know what really makes this film shine, although the script may be a secondary that by no means leaves it as a bad one. The true marvel? The stunts are all done and pulled off so well, you won't even find yourself thinking of how improbable it all is, if for not other reason than how wonderful it looks on screen after what appears as being so minute but must actually have been choreographed with a certain meticulous only a perfectionist like Woo embodies in the modern and fragmented Action blockbuster market. No one is really willing to take a chance anymore on action films unless they have a sure thing. I guess this was worth the large risk as Paramount has what is undoubtedly a sure-fire hit on their hands considering the lack of this type, or quality on the films released in the market at this time.
I remember hearing that Cruise had bought the rights to the first and all M:I sequels shortly after the first films release. I thought he was just trying to get away with not repeating the same mistake three times, as he was reportedly signed at by contract. Instead, it appears he really does demand a lot of himself after all considering what a turn over it is from its predecessor...