Mission: Impossible 2

ONE HOT MOVIE!!!!!
Review by Nonia Bidness

Oh MAN!! Just got home from seeing this; we had to run right out to see it on opening night! I am still pumped and jazzed! This is one hot, slick movie - three parts adrenalin rush, one part pure sex appeal, shaken not stirred!

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt looks his very sexy, steamy up-to-anything best. I don't know why his facial features seem even more finely chiseled, his eyes bluer and with more sparkle, his smile more dazzling... I figured I would be willing to pay $7 just to look at the guy, even if the rest of the movie was a disappointment, so I was already ahead when I sat down in the 7th row. Thandie Newton thrills as the knockout "co-worker"/heart thief Naya, with as much bravado and derringdo as Ethan. Even though there was no graphic sex or nudity, this movie was loaded to the gills with sexuality. To quote a line from John Irving's Widow For One Year: "Did you hear that? That was the sound of my panties sliding to the floor."

John Woo did a great job putting this one together, with plenty of spine-tingling action, close to the edge (or OVER the edge) suspense, a twisting story, gadgets and technology, explosions, and the ever famous trademark birds (that was a beautiful touch), and dual pistol shooting. There was some spectacular photography, and the scenes were visually pleasing through out (not even counting the Tom Cruise closeup scenes). I would have gotten lost a couple of times when the plot twisted but luckily had my husband there to whisper "Huh?" to, for a quick explanation. In some parts of the world tonight, I bet the theaters were sold out for this movie. Here in Columbia, we shared the place with maybe 12 others.

Ving Rhames was a little scarce for my taste, as I like him and liked his character. Anthony Hopkins made sparks fly in his flinty confrontations with Ethan. He still has a trace of Hannibal Lecter, in the eye of this beholder. Dougray Scott and his brogue made the perfect gorgeous villain. A good sound track was the foundation of it all.

The action scenes in this movie are really incredible and exciting. I could not help making "Woooo!" exclamations and jumping around in my seat. Certainly they are unbelievable, but who really cares? I wasn't there to see a documentary! Thrill me, fool me, lie to me, YES, don't stop! I am not your typical action fan, fights do not amuse me, but these scenes were a ballet, with moves reminiscent of The Matrix, triple flips through the air ending with a swift kick to the head! Choreographed like a cross between Tina Turner and Kerri Strug. Wow! Wait 'til you see the car chases! Wait 'til you see the motorcycle chases! Ethan Hunt can shoot you while riding 120 mph on a front-wheelie! Woooweeeee!

Can you tell I loved this movie? My blood hasn't been pumping like this over a MOVIE in years!

But, um, what I need to know is, hey, where can I get a few of those Tom Cruise masks, you know the ones that are so realistic you can't tell it's not really him? It would be nice to keep a few around the house for my husband to use, just in the privacy of our own home, you understand....

Pros: TERRIFIC actions scenes! Sexy! Thrilling!
Cons: Oh forget about cons! Go have a good time!
Bang for the Buck: Worth full-price to see it on the big screen
Movie Mood: Action Movie
Will you see this film again? Absolutely, in theaters
Overall rating: 5
Recommend to friends? Yes

Nonia Bidness May 24^th, 2000