Those of us who date back to the original "Mission Impossible" (the TV show, not the first Cruise missile, er, movie) remember tightly scripted shows that hinged on the psychology of the criminal mind. Not so the second entry in the "M:I" series. This show features cardboard characters, improbable stunts, a hackneyed plot, and co-star whose sole skills seem to be walking slowly and looking very good in white.
Tom Cruise reprises his super-spy Ethan Hunt role from the first "M:I", here joined by an under-utilized Ving Rhames and Aussie Brendan Gleeson on his three-man team. Newcomer Thandie Newton provides Cruise's love interest, a beautiful cat burglar roped into the team on the basis of a past love affair. Newton's acting talents, unfortunately, are far less formidable than her appearance. She's also inclined to mumble. The anti-hero, as played by Dougray Scott, is an excellent caricature of a truly detestable villain. He's accompanied by a near-endless supply of fellow baddies, all of whom Cruise takes out single-handedly...
John Woo has expanded about 35 minutes of plot -- perhaps enough for an episode of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." -- into about two hours by adding an interminable chase scene and an equally interminable ultimate fight scene. The former is replete with standard cliches: the flipping SUV, the exploding sedan, the motorcycle that for some reason can't seem to out-run or -maneuver a four-wheeled vehicle. The fight, of course, features a protagonist who has heretofore been able to take out all comers with one punch; now suddenly unable to finish the villain even with a rain of blows worthy of Evander Holyfield.
The verdict on this one? Watch it for the "Matrix"-like martial arts moves; watch it for a wild and woolly chase scene; watch it to see the exotically lovely Newton. Don't watch it if you're expecting a plot or character development.
John Woo raises the action bar in this violent romantic sequel to Brian De Palma's 1996 original. Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt this time battling ...More at Family Video
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