Use a tripod!

Rating: 7/10 (25 July 2004)

For the most part, the plot and action sequences are good, although it's one of those movies where the director wants to make the audience feel as if it's part of the action, rather than observing. So, much of the time, you can only tell that it's a (insert fight, car chase, shootout here) but since the camera moves so much, you can't tell much more than that. Again, I understand the director is trying to make the audience feel uncomfortable, quickening the pace, etc etc... my only question is why? Didn't that trick fade out of style about 1998?
Walking out of the movie, I felt borderline queasy, the kind of feeling you get getting off the Zipper at the fair.
At first, I thought the shaky, hand-held camera-work was a part of the initial sequence, thinking it would go away. But no! It's there the entire length of the film.
Joan Allen is smart and sexy, a far cry from the housewife in Face/Off. Matt Damon is also good, and proves himself a much better actor than his buddy Affleck (again). And Julia Stiles makes a nice turn, expanding on her role from the first film.
Of course there are some plot holes and some coincidences that make you roll your eyes slightly, but it's a summer blockbuster, what do you expect?
Overall a quality sequel, but if you get motion sick, wait for video so you can hit pause.