Mission: Impossible II

UK Release Date: 07 July 2000

Certification: 15
Director: John Woo
Cast: Tom Cruise, Brendan Gleeson, Anthony Hopkins, Thandie Newton, John Polson, Ving Rhames, Richard Roxburgh, Dougray Scott

Rating: 29%

Review:

Mission: Impossible II is the only misfire of the whole franchise. Brian De Palma choose not to return to direct the sequel - quoting, "One of these is enough." In the case of this film that statement would be correct, a massive step down in quality from its predecessor. 

With a whole new team of writers behind the development of Mission: Impossible II (bar one) the film completely mischaracterises Ethan Hunt. In the first, Hunt is a little cocky but he has an undeniable charm surrounding his persona. Whereas, with this outing he's unbearable. Jealous throughout, rude to his crew and making frequent bad decisions that result in life-threatening consequences. 

Thandie Newton and Dougray Scott give two of the worst acting performances I've had the misfortune of experiencing in a major Hollywood production. There is absolutely no chemistry between Newton and Cruise which is the main crux of the film, proceeding to play out a variety of uninteresting scenes between the two. This could be down to the rigid and wooden script that gives her little to work with but in general it's a stiff performance. 

Dougray Scott is somehow even worse. The man is Scottish and yet, this is a horrendous Scottish accent that actually makes me fairly embarrassed. His character just isn't menacing in the slightest. 

The quality of filmmaking is far removed from the first outing with Woo's direction not close to that of De Palma's. Consisting of hilariously bad transitions that pull the audience out from the viewing experience. At least 25% of the film is shot in slo-mo, so jarring. 

It is no surprise that coming into the film, the action is the main attraction. However, the majority of the time it doesn't work for me. Constant cuts within set-pieces. Overemphasis on various sub-sections of martial arts and exaggerated gun play compared to the espionage that made the first such a success. I understand that's John Woo's distinct style, which garnered him great influence in modern action as well as huge acclaim in Hong Kong cinema, but it doesn't work within the Mission: Impossible franchise. 

I like Hans Zimmer's score. It's by no means a career best but his punk/synth feel with subtle Spanish influences is a welcome addition to the music. Sir Anthony Hopkins is fantastic, a real shining light. No one has ever delivered a cheesier line better - "Well, this is not mission difficult, Mr. Hunt, it's mission impossible". But by the end I'm simply bored by the events transpiring on-screen.