One of the Best Action-Thriller Movies of the Summer!

Rating: 10/10 (24 August 2000)

First of all, I am very surprised about all the bad reviews that I have read on this movie. Thank God there are some good reviews, about 1/2.
I would like to comment on how stylish and breathtaking this movie is. I have never seen Tom Cruise on the "big screen" until I saw MI-2 back in the end of July. I was totally blown away with this movie. After I saw this movie, I went out and rented all of his other movies. Many of them were Oscar worthy material and he is one of the best actors to hit the theaters in a long time.
I especially give him credit for his collaboration with John Woo on this movie. It looks like they put a lot of time and effort into making this a blockbuster! I believe that it has surpassed expectations and has become one of the hottest movies of the Summer.
Now to my review of this movie. I thought that Tom Cruise was outstanding as Ethan Hunt. He expanded his character to be more sexy, romantic, sensitive, caring and cool and he knew how to get the job done. We just didn't see this side of his character in MI-1, except being intelligent and getting the job done. But don't get me wrong, MI-1 was a great movie. I also was one of the people who actually understood the plot! I have always regretted that I have not seen MI-1 in the theater, I saw it on video. But you can't compare the two movies. They were completely different. I think that I read an article where Tom stated that he wanted every MI movie to be different. MI-2 is more of an action-thrill ride than the first movie and that was all it was supposed to be!!!
Tom did a great job in acting this role. It seems to have been a lot of fun for him along with his hard work as Producer as well. His producing and John Woos directing spell SUCCESS! I also give him credit for doing the majority of his own stunts. How many actors today would take the risk?
I also thought that the other actors, Vring Rjames, Dougray Scott, Anthony Hopkins, were also very good, as well as Thandie Newton, in their respective roles. I thought that they complimented Tom Cruise very well!!
Contrary to many of the other reviews on the plot, I thought that the plot was interesting (not stupid), fun to watch, an exhilarating action thriller and pure entertainment.
I thought (contrary to some reviews), that the chemistry between Ethan Hunt and Nyah Nordoff Hall was mesmerizing, cute, romantic, sexy and great to watch. Tom has never looked better. He is absolutely gorgeous! and she is very beautiful. I feel a little jealous of her!!! I would like to comment also on Tom's non-speaking acting. His expressions on his face are priceless. Without saying a word, you know exactly what he is feeling. He definitely did not want Nyah anywhere near Shawn Ambrose, but he also knew that he had a job to do. Having Nyah as a Trojan horse in the clutches of his nemesis was the only way to get the information he needed to save the world from catastrophy!
I certainly did not think that this movie was a "Tom Cruise Ego Trip". He was playing a super-spy and just acted accordingly. To the people who trashed his performance, I have this to say, Lighten Up! You must be extremely jealous of him or you do not know how to sit back, relax and enjoy a fun and exciting Summer movie. It wasn't supposed to make you think. It was supposed to entertain you!!!! I think that you people need a life!
In conclusion, let me add that I have since seen this movie several times and I think that it gets better each time I see it! I previously did not know John Woos work as an action director, with the exception of Face Off, which I loved. I think that He did a brilliant job in directing this movie. I think that he wanted people to see all the (cliches) of his other movies in this movie. Apparently, that is his style and he does it well. Also, the cinematography was spectacular!
If you still haven't seen this movie, than I won't spoil it for you. See it. You won't regret it!
Congratulations Tom and John on a job well done! I will be anxiously awaiting MI-3.
I give this movie 10 out of 10 stars!!!!!!!!!!!