Reviews

Jackie Chan is a master martial artist and stuntman. Every film he stars in is an exercise in demonstrating his skill in different, creative ways. If you go to see this movie expecting anything different, you'll be sorely disappointed.

However, if you're a Chan fan, prepare to be amazed once again. It's not the same spectacle one would find in previous works such as Rumble in the Bronx, but impressive nevertheless. Furthermore, the plot that ties these action sequences together is better than can be found in most films of the same genre. The clash between far east and wild west cultures and cinematographic stereotypes is amusing enough to keep the film entertaining throughout, and Chan's own tongue-in-cheek sense of humor makes the piece that much more delightful to watch.

Don't look for this one at the next Academy Awards, but then that's not what Jackie Chan is all about, is it. If you want a couple of hours of mindless entertainment and spectacle, this is the one to see.

Remember the good ol' days of watching Scooby-Doo on Saturday morning cartoons? Every episode ended with the monster pulling off its rubber mask, revealing the real villain - usually some elderly disgruntled carnie. At least Scooby-Doo only used this plot device once (maximum twice) per episode. Mission Impossible 2 punches the envelope in a most pathetic way, utilizing this shallow plot device at least four times (perhaps even five). Gimme a break. John Woo's stylization of action sequences has been admirable in the past, but in this piece his over-use of slow motion is laughable. I'm sure if the entire film was shown in real-time, it would only last 37 minutes. It might look cool for a fight, but not for an entire feature. Tom Cruise places great faith in his image, taking the same self-glorifying risk that drowned Kevin Costner's career in Waterworld. We all know how cool Tom Cruise is - but this much flexing and posing would be far more appropriate in an issue of Playgirl than on the screen, thank you very much. Despite my own distaste for the film as a whole, I must confess that the motorcycle chase scene at the climax of the film may be one of the most exciting and innovational chase sequences since The French Connection. Next time, build a better film to lead up to it.