M:i-2 Gets the Job Done

While the filmmakers have avoided the tendency simply to clone the first film, they have reprised its most memorable set piece -- Hunt's dangling break-in of a well-protected lab. For the second go-around, they simply take the original concept and multiply its physical dimensions by ten. It's pleasingly ridiculous -- and exciting to boot.

After that sequence the film continues to rely heavily on car and motorcycle chases but adds some very nicely staged hand-to-hand (or perhaps more accurately, given the style of the combat, foot-to-foot) fight scenes.

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More About

• Tom Cruise
• Ethan Hunt
• John Woo
• Robert Towne
• Sean Ambrose

While the emotional part of the plot is satisfying, and the action scenes -- accompanied by the usual cranked-up multitrack music and effects -- are exciting, there is still the issue of plot mechanics. Even more than its predecessor, M:i-2's story relies on many implausible motivations and cheap sci-fi gimmicks. While one can give Towne points for at least trying to explain most of the implausibilities rather than simply assuming that no one will care, his explanations aren't very convincing. On a moment's reflection, you realize that the reasons that Ambrose and Hunt do certain things either make no sense or are so artificially contrived as to irritate.

The film also indulges in the first film's worst device -- the perfect masks that were an excuse for the cheapest sort of identity reversal. "I look like X, but really" -- rrrrrippppp -- "I'm Y!" While treading delicately to avoid spoiling a surprise that won't in all likelihood surprise anyone, let us simply say that the final use of this nonsensical gimmick completely defies logic, even if you suspend disbelief long enough to accept the gimmick itself.

Be forewarned: Abandon all hope of common sense, and enter the theater with high expectations for visceral entertainment. You won't be disappointed.