Well, it's better than the first one. Maybe.

Rating: 6/10 (30 May 2000)

Okay, I didn't mind the first M:I, but it was hampered by a ridiculous script and the always ham-handed directing of Mr. DePalma. When I heard the man, the myth, the legend, John Woo, was directing the sequel, I got very excited. Perhaps too excited. I felt that after the brilliant Face/Off Woo would be allowed to finally let his true style loose. Well, I got what I wanted. A little too much of what I wanted. This whole film felt like a parody of a John Woo film, taking every stylistic aspect and blowing it WAY out of proportion. However, it was beautiful to look at. The script in the first film was filled with wild plot twists which were given no leadup whatsoever, simply justified afterwards. In my opinion, a good twist is something that leaves you slapping your forehead and berating yourself for how stupid you were for not figuring out beforehand. M:I-2 give you leadup alright. Again, I got what I wanted, but too much. The "twists" were inanely predictable, offering no challenge for the audience. In one instance I guessed the "twist" a full half-hour before it took place. Before the lead up even took place. For me, the script left me feeling just as hollow as the first one did, only the technique was different. I really have been harping on this film rather harshly- it had some very good points. The acting was terrific pretty much all around, the cinematography was simply stunning, and the action was, of course, truly amazing. But it never gripped me. It never sucked me in the way great thrillers like Fargo, The Usual Suspects or pretty much any Hitchcock film have. I never felt any of the characters were in any danger, and worse, I just didn't care. See it, but leave it for a matinee or the dollar theatre. They don't need your money anyway.