Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Director: John Woo

Writers: Robert Towne, based on a story by Ronald D. Moore & Brannon Braga, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller

Stars: Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandiwe Newton, Ving Rhames, Richard Roxburgh, John Polson, Brendan Gleeson, Rade Serbedzija

I have enjoyed John Woo films, but this one often comes across as a parody of John Woo films. 

In any given John Woo film, you are likely to see doves fluttering through the air, a stand-off between two protagonists simultaneously pointing guns at each other, a woman whose only real reason for being in the film is to form a triangle with said protagonists, far too much slow motion photography and a healthy dose of obvious religious imagery that has little, if anything, to do with the story.

 

This time around, I just couldn't work up any interest in what I was seeing.

 

It all felt so tired and old.

 

And that motorcycle duel belongs on a short list of the most ludicrous action sequences I have ever seen. 

This film is only for those who believe that Woo can do no wrong.