Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) Movie Review: John Woo’s Action-Packed, Stylized Sequel
Released in 2000, Mission: Impossible 2 is the second film in the popular Mission: Impossible franchise and marks a notable departure from the tone of its predecessor. Directed by legendary action filmmaker John Woo, the film amplifies the action and injects it with the stylized, balletic violence Woo is known for. While Mission: Impossible 2 doesn’t lean as heavily into the espionage thriller aspect as Brian De Palma’s 1996 original, it stands out as a high-octane, visually striking action movie starring Tom Cruise at the peak of his action-hero status.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, the standout performances, Woo’s direction, and where to watch the movie online.
Plot Summary: A Rogue Agent and a Deadly Virus
Mission: Impossible 2 centers around Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), the top agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), as he embarks on a mission to recover a stolen, deadly virus called Chimera, which has the potential to wipe out millions. The virus, along with its antidote, is in the hands of rogue IMF agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who plans to release it for profit through a pharmaceutical company. Hunt is tasked with stopping Ambrose and retrieving the virus before it can be unleashed on the world.
To help with the mission, Hunt recruits a professional thief, Nyah Nordoff-Hall (Thandiwe Newton), who happens to be Ambrose’s former lover. The plan involves Nyah infiltrating Ambrose’s inner circle to spy on him and gather intelligence. However, complications arise as a romantic relationship blossoms between Hunt and Nyah, creating tension as the mission becomes increasingly dangerous.
The film is an action-packed race against time, with Ethan Hunt and his team—including tech expert Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames)—traveling around the world, from the streets of Sydney to the desert cliffs of Utah, to stop Ambrose and prevent a global catastrophe.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt: The Ultimate Action Hero
Mission: Impossible 2 cements Tom Cruise’s transformation from versatile actor to full-fledged action star. His portrayal of Ethan Hunt is more physical and aggressive than in the first film, with Cruise performing many of his own stunts, including the now-famous free-climbing sequence on the sheer cliffs of Utah’s Dead Horse Point.
In this installment, Hunt is portrayed with a more suave, James Bond-like demeanor. While his character remains the driven, skilled agent from the first film, Mission: Impossible 2 leans heavily into Cruise’s star power and athleticism, with the film showcasing his motorcycle stunts, hand-to-hand combat skills, and death-defying leaps. His chemistry with Thandiwe Newton adds an emotional element to the otherwise action-heavy film, making their romance central to the story’s tension.
Thandiwe Newton as Nyah Nordoff-Hall: A Strong, Yet Underutilized Character
Thandiwe Newton’s portrayal of Nyah Nordoff-Hall brings a sense of elegance and vulnerability to the film. Nyah is a master thief with a complicated past, and her relationship with both Ethan Hunt and Sean Ambrose adds layers of emotional depth to the story. While Newton delivers a strong performance, her character is often sidelined in favor of action scenes and male-driven conflict. As a result, Nyah’s role as the love interest and pawn in the larger scheme doesn’t allow her full potential as a character to shine, even though she’s central to the plot’s progression.
Dougray Scott as Sean Ambrose: A Cold and Ruthless Villain
Dougray Scott takes on the role of Sean Ambrose, the rogue IMF agent turned villain. Ambrose is a cold, calculating antagonist, motivated by greed and personal betrayal. While he doesn’t have the iconic presence of later Mission: Impossible villains, Scott’s portrayal is effective enough to make Ambrose a menacing adversary for Hunt. His personal connection to Nyah, combined with his ruthless ambition, creates tension that drives the movie forward. However, his character lacks the nuance and depth that could have made him a more memorable villain.
John Woo’s Direction: Action, Style, and Slow-Motion Glory
John Woo’s signature style is all over Mission: Impossible 2, making it a unique entry in the Mission: Impossible series. Known for his work on Hard Boiled and Face/Off, Woo brings his trademark visual flair, which includes slow-motion action sequences, dual-wielding guns, and dramatic standoffs. His love of stylized violence is evident in the film’s many elaborate shootouts, choreographed martial arts fights, and epic car chases.
Woo also incorporates symbolic imagery throughout the movie, such as doves flying during moments of high tension, which enhances the operatic feel of the action. While some critics and audiences felt the excessive slow-motion and hyper-stylization detracted from the film’s pacing, others appreciated Woo’s bold approach to action filmmaking.
One of the most memorable set pieces is the high-speed motorcycle chase near the film’s climax, where Hunt and Ambrose engage in a brutal battle, culminating in a dramatic face-off on a beach. This sequence is quintessential Woo—filled with explosions, gunfire, and gravity-defying stunts.
Action Sequences: High-Octane Thrills
The action in Mission: Impossible 2 is relentless and, at times, over-the-top, but it’s what makes the film an enjoyable spectacle. Some of the standout action moments include:
- The Opening Cliff-Climbing Scene: Tom Cruise free-climbing a sheer rock face, which set the tone for Hunt’s physical prowess and determination. This iconic stunt is widely regarded as one of Cruise’s best practical stunts in the franchise.
- The Break-In at Biocyte Laboratories: A high-tech heist scene where Hunt must infiltrate a secure biotech facility to steal the virus antidote, complete with tense wire-hanging moments and laser-beam dodging.
- The Motorcycle Chase: This pulse-pounding chase through the streets of Sydney sees Hunt and Ambrose locked in a deadly pursuit, performing death-defying stunts on motorcycles while shooting at each other, followed by a brutal hand-to-hand fight on a cliff.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews and Box Office Success
Mission: Impossible 2 was a commercial success, grossing over $546 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2000. However, critical reception was more divided. Many praised the film’s thrilling action sequences, Cruise’s performance, and Woo’s direction, but others criticized the lack of a compelling plot and the film’s prioritization of style over substance.
While some fans enjoyed the film’s unique take on the Mission: Impossible formula, others felt that it deviated too far from the suspenseful espionage elements that made the first film a hit. In retrospect, Mission: Impossible 2 is often viewed as a stylish, entertaining, but somewhat shallow entry in the franchise, compared to the more complex and intricate later installments, such as Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).
Where to Watch Mission: Impossible 2 Online
If you’re interested in watching Mission: Impossible 2, here are some popular streaming services where the movie is available:
1. Streaming Services: Subscription-Based Platforms
- Paramount+: As the owner of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Paramount+ offers all the films in the series, including Mission: Impossible 2. You can stream it with a subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region. You can watch it as part of a subscription or rent/purchase it separately.
- Hulu: Depending on availability, Hulu might offer the film as part of its extensive catalog of action films. Check to see if it’s available in your region.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Apple iTunes: You can rent or purchase Mission: Impossible 2 on iTunes, where it’s available in HD and 4K formats.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Rent or buy the film on Google Play, where it’s available to stream across various devices.
- Vudu: Another option is to rent or purchase the movie through Vudu, which offers it in multiple viewing formats.
- YouTube Movies: Mission: Impossible 2 is available for rent or purchase on YouTube, making it easily accessible for viewers who prefer this platform.
Conclusion: A Stylish, Action-Heavy Sequel
Mission: Impossible 2 is an entertaining, action-packed film that delivers the high-octane thrills one would expect from a summer blockbuster. While it may not have the intricate plotting or suspense of later entries in the franchise, John Woo’s distinctive style and Tom Cruise’s dynamic performance make it a memorable, visually stunning experience. Fans of over-the-top action and Woo’s directorial flourishes will appreciate this installment, while those looking for a more cerebral spy thriller may find it lacking.
