Tom Cruise returns to the action genre and the summer box office with the much anticipated M:I2.

The sequel to the 1996 smash, "Mission: Impossible" brings us back into the world of secret agent Ethan Hunt. Hunt's job this time is to stop rogue Sean Ambrose (played devilishly by Dougray Scott), from distributing a deadly virus called Chimera. Hunt is forced to team with Ambrose's ex-lover (Thandie Newton) for the mission. Along for the ride is Hunt's old buddy Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) who helped Hunt out in the previous film.

"Mission Impossible 2" is a wild ride. It is a lot more entertaining and less confusing than its predecessor. Problems I had with the first one, included the confusing plot that involved at least three subplots which never gelled. In this film we have a large plot but no where near the confusion. The plot and its execution reminded me a lot of the TV series, that these films are based. The mission seemed to be a problem the people in the series would deal with. In the first one, you had rebellion and vindictive leaders of the whole organization and that whole concept goes against the formula which made the series so intriguing. Another reason I think the plot and execution was so familiar is that it has been done in numerous Bond films. If you have a working formula, why not stick with it.

A problem I had with the film was in the directing. Hong Kong action film director John Woo has made a staple in all his films to have slow motion scenes which are supposed to captivate an integral plot point. I loved the first couple slow motion shots which really seemed to accent the allure between Cruise and Newton. It also gives the audience a chance to see the chemistry building between the actors. Not to mention the beauty within Newton's eyes. But as the third, forth, and fifth slow motion scenes came forth, I became annoyed. Why were they needed in the action sequences?

The whole second half of the film is heavily laced with huge stunts, special effects and motorcycle showdown that makes you wonder, can they do that? A perfect example of that involves Cruise half spinning in slow motion on the back of a motorcycle while firing his gun. It looks so unbelievable slowed down and analyzed that I wonder if it would have been more believable in real time. The final fight scene is vintage Woo and does show the controversial sequence which injured actor Dougray Scott during filming.

(4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

Please note: If Paramount wants to continue its franchise here they may need to have Cruise hand over the reigns to a new IMF leader in the next one. Following that logic, will Paramount serve up another Mission Impossible? What do you think? Would you lineup for a third Ethan Hunt adventure?

Rogue agent Sean Ambrose, disguised as good guy agent Ethan Hunt, intercepts the transportation of a deadly new virus, Chimera. He plans on selling the deadly, theoretical, bio-weapon to the highest bidder...of course the real agent Ethan Hunt won't let this happen. Through an adventure riddled with women, explosions, and other loud noises Ethan Hunt must prevail over all who stand in his way in order to save the world from its demise. Fun.

Plot: Weak is a word that comes to mind. The script to the movie is little more than the synopsis above. I guess they did write some dialogue. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and Nyah Hall (Thandie Newton) have a very underdeveloped relationship in the story so Cruise's character has a "princess" to save towards the end of the film, much like in the Mario Brothers video game, Sean Ambrose is a cookie-cutter tortured-soul-evil-guy with little reason given for his motivations for destruction, and Luther Stickell, a personal favorite, has about five total minutes of screen time. Needless to say this isn't the thinking man's screenplay, but that is also the script's greatest benefit. When the first film was released a large portion of audience complained about the confusing and complex plot, the story in this film is as clear as water.....and as deep as a petri dish. **1/2(out of five)

Acting: Mission: Impossible 2 is not an acting vehicle like Tom Cruise's previous film, Magnolia, but it brings Tom back to the type of characters he played in the 80s like Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell from Top Gun. Plus we have to keep in mind that this is an action film and not a drama. So one should expect one-dimensional characters with very little depth or emotional range beyond get the bad guy...and that is what is in this film. Cruise does what he is supposed to do...he is supposed to be the unquestionable good guy and in that sense he does a fantastic job. But, Cruise is definitely not the most entertaining actor on screen, Dougary Scott, Sean Ambrose, is oozing with evil in this film, despite the fact that his character has no originality. Scott offers an excellent performance for the audience to feast on, his character doesn't have one positive trait...he is completely detestable. ***(out of five)

Directing: John Woo is the master of the action genre. Although his U.S. film career has only been three films long (Hard Target, Broken Arrow, and Face/Off) his Hong Kong action career has been going on since 1974. John Woo continues his excellent directorial track record with Mission: Impossible 2, although slower paced then a usual Woo picture M:I2 turns out nicely for the director. Traditional action sequences, i.e. car chases, gun fights, and fist fights, come off beautifully, as to be expected, but what was more of a pleasant surprise is how well he handled the scenes when stuff wasn't blowing up. For example, very early in the film Ethan Hunt has to travel to Seville, Spain and meet up with Nyah Hall at some sort of party. The Flamenco dancing sequence flows beautifully and looks stunning. John Woo obviously has a talent for filmmaking and won't be leaving Hollywood anytime soon. Who knows...maybe Mission:Impossible 3 ****1/2(out of five)

Music: Hans Zimmer scored this picture around the same time he scored Gladiator....Gladiator was better. The biggest problem with the score for M:I2 is that it doesn't make enough use of the highly recognizable Mission: Impossible theme. Other than that the score is just better than mediocre, but not breathtaking. What the score really lacks is some of the excitement of the score of the first movie by Danny Elfman. It isn't the same, but it is still good. It will keep most audience members content and immersed in the movie...just not all. ***1/2(out of five)

Special effects: Four effects firms worked on this film: Cinesite (Hollywood), Double Negative, Manex Visual Effects, and Pacific Data Images, yet the film still retained a consistent look. It takes a large amount of preplanning and choreographing to get four companies placed all over the globe to work with each other and somehow these four did it. The effects in Mission: Impossible are basically low profile digital matte paintings, various CGI touch ups, and the occasional tricky composition. But every now and then there is a superbly done effects sequence. I would give an example, but it would ruin an exciting moment in the film. Let's just say that it involves a helicopter and a whole lot of rope. ****1/2out of five)

Bottom Line: Mission: Impossible was originally designed to be a spy movie that revolved around a team of covert operations experts who would outwit their enemy, M:I2 turned out to be a spy movie more in the style of the James Bond franchise with Ethan Hunt sitting in for Bond. Some people may be bothered by this others may not, but one fact still remains that M:I2 is going to make a literal ton of money whether or not you go to see it. ***1/2(out of five)