Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in the theatrical sequel, this time around directed by John Woo. Wikipedia will tell you Woo is notorious for chaotic action scenes and slow-motion, an assertion I agree with. This film has its fair share of both of these elements and while the slow-motion especially can be unnecessary at times, it never annoyed me or got in the way of my enjoyment of the film.
Woo has also directed Face/Off, a movie that highlights the superb acting qualities of John Travolta and Nicholas Cage and yes, I’m being serious about Nicholas Cage. Just watch and see for yourself. Broken Arrow with Travolta and Christian Slater is also not too shabby so I knew this guy was capable of high-quality work going in.
We got some romance in this one, featuring Thandie Newton, and even though Ethan and Newton’s character, Nyah, haven’t known each other long, the chemistry between them is believable.
Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott) is sinister, ruthless and easy to hate, a far better villain than Voight was in the first film. Its intensity is bone-chilling and of course, suspenseful.
Cruise paints a more thorough picture of Hunt here, showing that he does have some feelings and some humanity to him. Action films can sometimes get too caught up with the action, causing the script to feel lacking at times when it comes to the dialogue. If you do the action right, I can live with a slightly above average script. It’s when you give me stereotypical characters with sub-par actors that I start to doubt the ingenuity of the screenwriters as well as that of the story. I like my creativity and when I’m not convinced of the story’s potential, it can be disappointing. Looking at you, Pacific Rim.
I don’t feel that’s the case here because while the script may not have layer upon layer of substance, the character portrayals are elaborate enough that they deserve their own character frame rather than be categorized with all of the cookie-cutter copies. There’s also the added icing of the surprise plot twists and gadgetry, which adds a little extra flair to the film. The third act exceeds expectations by far and includes some oodles of awesomeness.
Once again, if you’re new to my blog, I’ve always ranked movies on a scale of 0-100 (I don’t know why, I just always have). Here’s the grading scale.
90-100 It’s a great movie and definitely one worth buying. (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Green Mile, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Mission Impossible)
80-89 It was a pretty good movie and definitely one worth seeing, but it doesn’t quite scratch my top ten percentile. (Iron Man, Lone Survivor, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Next Three Days, Basic)
70-79 It’s okay but I’ve seen better. It has its moments, but it has its flaws, too. (21 Jump Street, Escape Plan, Captain America: The First Avenger, Dawn of the Dead, Flyboys)
60-69 It’s got plenty wrong with it but I still got enjoyment out of this one. (Pacific Rim, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Disaster Movie)
50-59 This movie isn’t intolerable but it’s not blowing my mind either. I’m trying really hard to get some sort of enjoyment out of this. (Aliens, Alien Resurrection, Full Metal Jacket, Thor, You’re Next)
40-49 This movie is just mediocre. It’s not doing anything other than the bare minimal, so morbidly boring that sometimes I’m actually angry I watched this. (The Great Gatsby, Pitch Black, Alien, Serendipity, Cowboys and Aliens)
30-39 Definitely worse than mediocre, the 30’s ironically define the 1930’s, full of depression, lack of accomplishments, poverty and just so dumb. (The Contract, Pride and Prejudice, Redemption)
20-29 What did I just watch? Cliches, stupidity, nothingness, did I mention stupidity? Just…wow. (The Sum of All Fears, Thor: The Dark World)
0-19 Watching this movie resulted in one or more of the following: seizure, loss of brain cells, falling asleep/unconsciousness, feel you wasted your time/day, accomplished nothing for you, left the movie knowing less about it then you did going into it, constantly asking yourself why you came to see this movie, or near-death experience. In short, staring at a wall was just as entertaining as watching this movie. This movie deserved a sticker or a label that said, “WARNING: EXTREME AMOUNT OF SUCKAGE.” (Midnight Cowboy, Dark Fury, Alien 3, Open Grave)
My score for Mission Impossible II: 94.
Mission Impossible II has a more definite compass point than its predecessor as well as better direction and screenwriting, although I feel like it’s not quite hitting the ceiling of its potential. That said, this movie is still energizing and an adrenaline rush for all who have the courage and decency to watch it.
wordsofwistim 