Mission: Impossible 2 - 6 stars out of 10

Mission: Impossible 2 - 6 stars out of 10

"Mission: Impossible 2" is often criticized but is still enjoyable to watch.  I put it in my "Amazing action and special effects, but I wish that it had a great plot to match" category.  Since this story lacks a CIA conspiracy aspect within its plot, the writers attempted to make up for it by adding more action sequences that aren't always related to the story.  This did not work.  They look cool but just take away from the reality of the film (like the convertible chase sequence and dueling motorcycles(?)).  Don't get me wrong.  I truly enjoy watching this film but I have to consider it as purely an action film instead of an espionage thriller.  Th thing that does impress me about this film is Hans Zimmer's incredible film score which ties everything together with its Spanish flair.  The story of the Chimera is really cool, particular as we discover the results of this disease and begin to feel helpless.  The story utilizes the masks again, this time almost feeling like too many plot twists reliant on these twists.  I'll just say it: there are too many masks..  The anticipated break-in in this film is just as poignant as the one in the first film, keeping you on your toes and being a part that you'll look forward to the entire film.  I really don't care for Thandie Newton (who never shows the right emotion at the right time), but Ving Rhames is back as the incredibly Luther Stickwell.  Dougray Scott makes a good villain.  Unlike the first film, we know who the villain is the entire time and the love triangle between Cruise, Scott, and Newton becomes more important than the actual mission (the recovery of the Chimera virus and antidote).  This film would be okay if it wasn't in the "Mission: Impossible" series, but the label creates an expectation of intrigue instead of a love subplot that imposes itself over the mission that we care about.  It also loses the realism that makes the original so special as this film contains over a dozen "yeah, right..." moments that make these IMF agents seem like a fairy tale instead of a secret, hidden branch of our government that exists without us knowing.   The chase scenes are intense and the special effects are stunning, but this film will leave you wanting more "mission" and less "impossible."