10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Mission Impossible II-A complete bore
Date of Review: May 29, 2000
A couple of exciting action sequences can't save this movie. Over direction and a pointless to nonexistent plot help to make Mission Impossible II a real bomb.
First of all, I must say that I am not a big fan of John Woo's directing style. I have not seen his Hong Kong films which are legendary, but I didn't like Broken Arrow (except for the fact that the villain actually ignited the bomb for once), nor did I like Face/Off. Mission Impossible II has some of those characteristics which I just don't like. There are many pointless slow motion sequences set to classical music. I suppose the idea is to set up some dramatic tension. I, however, just find them humorous. Woo also seems to have a fetish with white doves. About half way through the film I mentioned I hadn't seen any, remembering their use in Face/Off. Well, sure enough, about 10 minutes later----white doves, in slow motion. Yuck.
I don't want to criticize Woo too much because he does have a style which is unique and many people enjoy. The real problem with the movie is the script. The first MI had a completely convoluted script but it seemed to have a point. MI:II has a script which is easier to understand but it was plan boring. Basically a research doctor creates a virus as well as a cure for it in order for a biotech firm to make tons of money. The Tom Cruise and his group are in a race with the villians to find the virus/cure to destroy them.
Some of the action sequences are just incredible. The last 20 minutes of the movie is extremely exciting with some fabulous stunts, all creatively done. I wish that Ving Rhames had been featured a bit more in the film. He gets a lot of screen time, but most of it is sitting behind a couple talking to Cruise via an ear piece.
Overall, however, I found Mission Impossible II to be a couple of steps down from the original. It was exciting at times, but I found myself nit-picking too much which shows me that the movie didn't really reach me. The only reason I would suggest seeing it at the theater is because the special effects and action sequences are best seen on the big screen. They won't be as impressive on a tv.
