M:I2 impossible to enjoy

The first Mission:Impossible , though a worldwide blockbuster, confused viewers with a plot that was too hard to follow. Its sequel would hopefully resolve that complexity and provide a more concise storyline while maintaining the smart action and character development of the first. That didn't happen.

Directed by Hong Kong action guru John Woo (Face/Off, Broken Arrow), Mission:Impossible 2 combines a confusing, bland storyline with zero character or plot explanation. From the beginning, the direction of the story is questionable. The opening scene finds IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) free-climbing (of course) straight up a cliff. RememberStar Trek 5? This is classic John Woo film making: full of pompous, adrenaline-pumping shots that only reinforce the leading man's manliness.

The rest of the film takes on the same bloated tone. Woo fills the movie's 126 minutes with long, melodramatic close-ups and action shots that do nothing but slow the pace of the film down and divert attention from the story (the same can be said for some of the special effects). The dialogue is just as cumbersome. Screenwriter Robert Towne's script attempts to match the playful wit of James Bond, but the end result is closer to Van Damme than 007.

Where the first M:I was driven by a fast and complex plot, M:I 2 centers its action on an inane, unnecessary love story. However, the love story isn't the problem. The first M:I had Cruise pursuing Emmanuelle Beart, but their involvement was a sub-plot to the cast and storyline. In contrast, Woo devotes most of the movie to his leading man's charm, without regard for his supporting cast. The tragically underrated Ving Rhames is hardly seen, while Anthony Hopkins can't steal a scene from Cruise's smirk.

In fairness to Woo, he is a master of conceptualizing great action sequences, but he just isn't able to translate that ability into his final product. Every fight and gun battle verges on the ridiculous and ultimately compromises the energy of scenes such as the final motorcycle joust between Hunt and Amborse.

Movies such as Ronin, The Matrix and the first M:I have shown that it is possible to make an over-the-top action movie without comic book-style combat and gimmick-laden plot development. Action films should be fun and awe-inspiring without a total loss of reality or artistic integrity.

Rating - C-