Action for the kids, nothing for anyone else

Rating: 4/10 (6 May 2006)

So what went wrong?...
Well, first off, there seems to be a great difference in general about the prequels to this movie. The first one was an intense movie that lacked action a great deal whereas the second one was really just action and absolutely nothing more.
Now, if you ask me which movie I like best and which one is the most true to one of the TV-shows bla bla bla I have to draw a blank. The first one, for me, can be seen more times and the second one gives me the 30 minute adrenaline rush at the end every time. I like them both at their own merits and I can't determine which one is best, it depends on my mood, so no I will not shoot down the second one.
What has happened now is what might seem like the ultimate solution to appeal to a wider audience, combine the intense plot with tons of "impossible" action. I must admit that even to me that sounds great... On paper. On the big screen, as it turns out, it just doesn't work. Who would have figured that?
In this movie they try to expand on the character of Ethan Hunt and they simply fail. They try to almost copy/paste the story of the first movie and damn if they don't try to copy John Woo's action style (only in the beginning though Abrams leaves his mark in the few uncreative ways he can think of). Wanting to succeed so bad in both the thriller and action genre seems to have forced J.J. into formula film making. This is always good for the youngsters so the movie will make it's money back.
For those of us over 15 we are left standing lonely in the outside the theater hoping for the manager to realize what he has done and give us a refund.
Some quick tips for those who haven't seen it and are on the fence about it:

If you liked the first movie but not the second, don't see this one. - If you liked the second movie but not the first, don't see this one. - If you just like a lot of un-innovative action and a predictable storyline, well gosh darn it if this isn't the movie for you.

4/10 - For some entertainment value here and there.