The sequel to the mission franchise is released to us four years after the original film and I don’t recall if I saw this one at the cinema or not. Based on how old I was at the time; I’m thinking that was unlikely. What I do recall however is owning this one on VHS and that it included behind the scenes extras of how the big stunts were filmed.

I also remember that I really liked the film at the time but on reflection I believe that comes from the fact that most of Mission: Impossible II was filmed in Australia and perhaps just being proud my home country was featured.

Since then and with more sequels released, this instalment is the weakest of the lot.

The film is quite disjointed and my major issue with it is the plot. It just doesn’t seem like a case for the Impossible Mission Force. Not only do the stakes not feel high but the actions taken by the IMF don’t seem impossible either. This could have been an intelligence mission the CIA or another agency could have covered.

The whole reason why the IMF is event included is the connection between a scientist on the project in question with Ethan Hunt – a very tenuous link indeed.

The film does have some fantastic action scenes which are very memorable. Now that might be nostalgia talking but when I think this film, I am taken back to the rock-climbing scene at the very beginning of the film and the knife fight sequence in the closing act.

The director, John Woo, also brought his style of repeat shots that slows down the action before letting the sequence run freely and faster. His style isn’t for everyone, and mission may not be his best work but this was a part of a film that I did and still do enjoy.

Lastly some thoughts on the cast.

Thandie Newton and Anthony Hopkins are inserted into the cast where the latter was a rather odd cameo and somewhat unlikable character similar to Kittridge from the first instalment. The former is added as the love interest for a storyline that adds nothing to the overarching plot. Her character while providing some interest is used in such a bizarre way.

It was nice to have Ving Rhames return as Luther however he is paired with the most stereotypical “Aussie” counterpart, it hurts to watch!

This is also the film which introduced me to Richard Roxburgh, whose performance I enjoy in this film, despite the strange accent!

Overall, as a mission film it ticks all the boxes that we expect to see. From locations, use of masks – now with the addition of a voice changing strip you stick on your throat, to action sequences. Yet with all that, Mission: Impossible II fails to hit the mark.

Not the worst film I have seen but it is very middle of the pack viewing.