Mission Impossible 2…a movie that has had so much hype built up around it, that it's dizzying. And after the trailer was released, that hype went into high gear. Then the question is, does it live up to expectations? I would say yes. In terms of heart-pounding action and the plain cool factor, the movie takes top awards. Though, the story is at the most, passable.

Reprising his role as Ethan Hunt from Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise returns but this time with a new image. The longer hair, the hip looking duds, he exudes more spy aura than ever. Ving Rhames also returns to reprise his role as computer genius Luther Stickell. Thandie Newton plays Nyah Hall, a beautiful thief thrown into the thick of Ethan's plans. And what is a movie without a villain? Playing bad guy Sean Ambrose is Dougray Scott.

As I mentioned earlier, the plot is simple. Ethan Hunt is sent on a mission to locate a deadly virus together with his team. You could say it's just an excuse for all the action. But then, that's what this movie is all about. Hard hitting action. And believe me, no one but director John Woo can get away with something like this.

I'll be honest. Every single inch of this movie oozes director John Woo's signature filming finesse and style. Beautiful gravity defying stunts, slow motion action scenes, akimbo handguns. All these elements come together to form one exhilarating ride. A lot of scenes would leave you opened mouthed and asking for more. I for one am going to watch this movie again. And again. Just to see that "what-the-heck-how-did-he-do-that" stunt again.

The interesting fact about this show is that Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts. This includes the scene where he jumps across the rock face at the start of the show. Looks like Mr. Cruise is more than just a pretty face. And do look out for director John Woo, as he has a small cameo role in the movie.

The only true way to experience the full effect of this movie would be watching it in a surround-sound cinema. If that isn't enough, watch it in THX. You won't regret it. You'll be able to experience every single bit of action like you were in the movie itself.

To sum it all up, this movie is all about the action and doesn't try to hide that fact. Watch it for every bit of action it has to offer but don't expect any intellectual content because there isn't any.

Cinema Online, June 2000