Inferior Sequel

Rating: 6/10 (9 November 2000)

Let me state first that I'm not a big fan of the John Woo style. Having heard some good things about this movie I went in with good intentions, though. But after a strong first half-hour or so, this movie goes straight downhill. The standout member of the cast was clearly Thandie Newton, and her scenes with Tom Cruise had a strong chemistry, I thought. But as soon as her role trailed off after the opening hour, the movie went straight into rote action-movie, big stunt mode.
The plot is virtually just a device for the usual Woo scenes. I felt he brought a great sense to the relationship between Newton and Cruise by his use of camera style and angle, though. He ought to do a romantic film instead of getting typecast with his five minute fight scenes and over the top action trickery.
I'm somebody who loved the first Mission Impossible more than most(I guess) and liked the way DePalma directed it as well. I never found the plot confusing, while I found the sequel's just boring. All in all, if you like Woo films, there's something for you here. If you're looking for something along the lines of the first film you'll probably be disappointed.