You forgot about the ridiculous amount of mask reveals and Tom Cruise's fabulous slow mo hair

When Ethan Hunt and Ambrose jump off their bikes and collide in the air Tom Cruise should've turned to the camera and said "This mission... it just got a hell of a lot more impossibler".

"Well this is not mission difficult, Mr Hunt, it's mission impossible. Difficult should be a walk in the park for you." - Anthony Hopkins

I agree, I think the scene where Ethan Hunt tricks the main villain into killing his own henchman is the best scene in the entire movie. I laughed when I saw it.

M:I 2 Is a Bollywood movie, I mean seriously, EVERYTHING is exaggerated.

Oh, the doves... THE DOVES...

Hanz Zimmer's score was amazing for this film.

I remember at this time Chris was going over the Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Mission: Impossible movies. Good times, good times.

This movie is a guilty pleasure for me. It's stupid, over-the-top but man is it so much fun. I have memories watching this in the theater with my family. Good times. I give it a 6/10.

"Who needs a love triangle in a Mission Impossible movie? No one." Who needs a love triangle in a movie period, I'd be tempted to say.

Still not as stupid as any of the Fast movies.

All I remember about this movie was how pointlessly over the top it was. The slow motion scarf catching was a running joke with my friend and I for quite a long time.

...but the soundtrack was AWEEESOME.

I liked this movie. I grew up on watching it a hundred times. But I haven't seen it recently so it might be nostalgia talking. But I don't think this movie was that bad. It's on the bottom of the top list but it's still hella entertaining and enjoyable. The action seemed very dramatic, maybe even Fast and Furious dramatic but I loved it. Maybe the title was wrong for the film. Or maybe Hunt was having his experimental life crisis? P.S. I'd love a Minority Report review.

I recall MI:2 as being one of the first action films I ever saw, for that reason it holds a dear place in my heart.

Wasn't the bike fight sequence poorly received? i remember it getting a lot of hate on the internet and i remember it being way to over the top, but i haven't seen this one since it came out

I always thought MI:2 had WAY too much action. Like fighting/violence action. I loved the first one because it wasn't based on fighting or violence. It was about stealth about sneaking around and successfully performing a task that's deemed "impossible" hence the name.

It's funny how Ethan Hunt's idea of a vacation in this movie is to rock climb w/o any harnesses while he couldn't even conceive of climbing down the walls of a hospital building in MI:4, and was very nervous about climbing the Burj Khalifa. Further proof that this movie doesn't portray the same character as the rest of the franchise.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on MI:III. That one just kicks so much ass.

Mission Impossible movies are like presidents. The orange one is controversial.

Mission Impossible 2 turned Tom Cruise into a bonafide Action Star

you know whats the best thing about mi 2 ??? ... due to this movie Dougray Scott had to turn down the wolverine part in the Xmen franchise so WE GOT MR HUGH JACKMAN INSTEAD !!!! AND HE TURNED OUT TO BE AN AWESOME LOGAN :D ...thank you MI 2 :)

My father and I were watching this movie when it first came out in theaters and I remember when the motorcycle sequence was occurring, he pointed out to me that the tires switched from road tires to dirt bike/off road tires. As a result, that took him out of the moment and he couldn't take the motorcycle scene seriously anymore. lol And now that I re-watch that part from time to time, I always giggle like, "Yeah. Hollywood for ya."

MI1: A MI2: B- MI3: B+ MI4: A+ MI5: A+

Well, my sister and others are in the section of folks who love Mission: Impossible 2. Also, I agree with you, Chris - I'd like to thank Dougray Scott for passing on playing Wolverine because we had one of the greatest superhero movie character portrayals ever made in Hugh Jackman.

Say what you want, this is the film that got me into the M:I franchise.

Bring all the slow-mo scenes to normal speed this movie would be as long as a Spongebob episode

Thank you for always reviewing previous instalments. I always enjoy them and you have given me inspiration for my own Channel. Keep up the good work and I'm about to get Stuckmannised into your Phantom Menace review.

I watched MI2 on the big screen when I was a kid, have seen it several times since, but due to my attraction to Thandie Newton and my love of seeing anything shot in my beloved hometown of Sydney, I don't think I could possibly give an objective review of the film as a whole. I'm not usually an action movie fan either so I consider it just a guilty pleasure.

I really like M:I 2. The fight at the end is incredible. Especially the knife scene.

Hi Chris, very thorough as usual, you forgot to mention one thing though: During the motorcycle chase in the dunes, the tires switched from slick to all-terrain just by magic:)

Can't wait for your review of the rest of the Star Wars films!!!

I watched this movie so many times as a kid. The car/motorcycle chase was so cool to me as a kid.

Thandie Newton was HOT in this movie

Cool review man. I agree with you, there are lots of boring scenes in M:I 2, but some cool stuff too. I think the bit where Cruise does a front wheelie on his motorcycle (slo mo of course) before shooting the petrol cap of a car which explodes and somersaults off down the street is a slice of action movie gold! It was a pity that once John Woo got into his stride the film finished. It should have had more action scenes throughout, especially in the barren first hour.

I honestly really enjoyed this movie from start to finish and I love how John Woo bring his signature action piece into the mix and it’s epic…..it’s a movie I just can’t stop laughing due to its’ entertainment value…..

Great review! Like Face/Off (yes, I am well aware that this is by the same director), this film had tons of awesome and bad-ass moments, but also a lot of over the top moments which make it look silly in some bits for me to take it so seriously. The difference is that Face/Off had at least some originality with its plot (silly as it may be with the whole face-switching), while Mission Impossible II was taking too many elements from other action movies (like you said, The Matrix and James Bond) with a plot that even Michael Bay would re-use (spreading a disease so he can make money off his cure in TMNT), though to be fair I can't think of a film before MI2 that used this plot.

Hmm guess I'm in the minority of people who enjoys the film.

Ving Rhames is so underrated. Hes fucking awesome.

Thanks Chris, often enjoy your reviews. This MI series and my general interest in Christopher McQuarries work inspired to revist them again. I was amazed how well MI1 stood up, its been years since I've seen and I really enjoyed the rewatch. DePalma has always been more of a curiosity than a treasured auteur for me, but all his techniques is put to great use.. Surprising to me, MI3 and MIGP were comapritive chores as rewatches, particuarly ghost protocol. It felt way too generic and moved too fast. Simon Pegg's expanded role bordered on mugging, kept diffusing all the tension in some otherwise great scenes, and felt too similar to his performances in other contemporary films, kept pulling me out of the MI diagesis.

Mission Impossible 2 is probably my least favorite mission impossible movie.

This film is ridiculous but also kinda amazing in parts. Crazy action, gorgeous Thandie Newton, that cliff sequence, all pretty good. The lackluster villain and boring stretches bring it down though.

Chris, I was never a fan of MI in particular. But you make the movies sound so appealing, I'm watching them again in a new light. I think a lot of us would enjoy a regular segment on movies you recommend and why. Maybe lesser known ones, your own guilty pleasures, whatever. I really like when you explain why a movie is good in your eyes.

The plot may not be that good... But the action scenes are among the best i've ever seen.

Glad Chris brought up the Wolverine fact

Great vintage reviews, Chris. There are plenty more that need to be Stuckmanized with your analysis. The blockbusters are good selections, but some of the older indie films are worth your time as well. I'd love to hear your analysis on the 2005 film "Brick" with Gordon Joseph Levitt...

Yea, opinions about this film are very polarized and pretty much rightfully so. When I first watched it when I was eleven I was totally blown away, I think for the first time in my life. Later I've grown to be a Woo fan, but I dislike many of his trademarks, meaning super serious treatment of silly things and awkward at times acting direction. But that Zimmer's score and that gorgeous slomo + fight choreography blew me away. Stuntwork in this film is impeccable and leaves a strong impression even today. Movie needs a tighter edit (such a thing can be even found online) and then can be thoroughly enjoyed as a sort of MI spinoff.

Every time a new Mission Impossible comes out I seem to watch all the previous ones, and then I watch all Chris' reviews again :)

I haven't seen MI2, but I really love John Woo's Hong Kong action films like The Killer, Hard Boiled and A Better Tomorrow. Am I going to like this film?

I agree with all your points HOWEVER the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and the fact how stunning Thandie Newton is I at the same time did not mind any of the problems. This is my definition of a guilty pleasure movie for me.

MI:2 was the first Tom Cruise's movie i watched so, no matter what people say about it, it will always be special to me.

Nice... I was waiting for this. Thanks, Chris!

I still think this is one of the most enjoyable films in the series. By no means is it a great film but I’d still put it far above 3.

Best line in the movie is from Anthony Hopkins- Mr. Hunt, this isn't mission difficult, it's mission impossible.

Good review Chris. Nicely done.

I love Mission: Impossible 2!

No mention of Anthony Hopkins? He was my favorite thing in this one.

I f*cking love M:I - 2 , no guilty pleasure, don't think it's silly , I just really really love this movie , watching it in the theater was amazing , _You keep calling me Dimitri, You really shouldn't_ C'mon! I quote this movie lines always! and Hans score... OMFG! Damn I love it!

M:I 2 is AWESOME. Simple as that.

"Who needs a love triangle in a Mission Impossible movie?" I would argue who needs one in anything, but okay

I remember your old review for this movie was a lot more positive. Glad to see you came to your senses. 😉

Mission Impossible 2: Revenge of the Rubber Masks

I bet there are 🕊 in this film. I’ve never seen it but this is the guy that directed Face Off right?

Mission imposible 2 is amezing in my opinion love the fight between ethan and Sean Sean abromes is one the best villains in the frensches and its my favorite mission imposible movie Nyaha was a good love intrest and Hugh stamp is a good secondery villain and mcloy is a fine henchmen overall its my favorite mission imposible

Another thing that I think is cool about this movie is the song "Take a Look Around" by Limp Bizkit which incorporates the Mission: Impossible theme song.

I actually love this movie but to be honest I love all mission impossible movies.

“Every scene in the motorcycle chase is realistic” Cue Hunt jumping to the side, skidding on his feet while driving the motorcycle

I never had a problem with MI: 2. I thought it was action-packed, great action scenes, and a good story. The style was a little different, sure, but I never saw it as a deficiency. Each MI film is slightly different. I thought it was great.

You earned my sub from your love of this franchise which imo is underrated in popularity. MI:2 is definitely the worst one for how over the top it goes with it's plot and action considering the first one. Yet overall I think that you have such a better eye for cinema than other youtube critics (especially your view on Star Wars and The Last Jedi). I guess my point is, keep up the great content, I'm a fan.

In addition to Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, this movie also gave us "Mission Improbable" starring Ben Stiller as Tom Crooze. Look it up, it's timeless.

I think that "M:I 2" can be considered as good Saturday Matinee Entertainment. While not the best "Mission: Impossible" film in the franchise, for a straight-up action film, it's not that bad. Great Review Chris!

The movie had elements, ideas, visuals, music and other aesthetic elements that worked really well on their own but overall it wasn't the best movie. You're commentary about how this film was essentially experimentation to find out what works and what doesn't for the franchise going forward is spot on.

Overall MI2 is a good movie except for one thing: Nyah. God I HATE this character! Her motivations make no sense, the love story is complete shit, the character adds nothing to plot that couldn't be replaced by any random character written in, the actress has no chemistry with Tom Cruise, and worst of all she is BORING. Nyah has no distinct personality traits. Name 3 character traits she has...I'll wait.

I'm surprised you didn't mention the false advertising with Anthony Hopkins.

I recently picked up the Blu-ray 4 pack of Mission: Impossible 1,2,3 and 4. I can''t wait to watch them in that higher quality detail.

chris, you forgot to mention that the movie was originally designed as a r-rated movie and later cut-down for a more profitable pg-13 rating. i wished we would get the original cut. as for the title... i think chimera would've been a better title then mission: impossible ;-)

Saw this movie in the theater with my dad, who is a motorcycle enthusiast (partaking in circuit, dirt, and moto-x racing) Because of him, I can't take the chase seriously. He pointed out that every time the bikes switched surfaces, they switched tires. Street tires, to knobby tires, and back again. He laughed out loud every time it happened, and it definitely ruined any tension.

Most people hate this movie with a burning passion, but I have to be honest: I really like this movie. Yes it's cheesy, corny and over-the-top almost to the point of self-parody but I have a tendency to like that if it's well executed. And John Woo has a style to make this kind of stuff work. Plus the movie is gorgeous, the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer fantastic and the action is top notch. As a MI film it is definitely the weakest in the series (for the reasons Chris mentions) but as a straight action film it delievers the goods...if you can get past the tone.

Can't wait for the MI:3 review.

I agree with you Chris, that this movie is a giant mixed bag, with a mixture of a lot of odd and derivative elements with some really awesome shots and action while being very inconsistent from the first one. However, I might be reading way too much into this, but I think there might be some merit for somewhat of a theory for this. Consider this: due to the events of the first movie, Ethan Hunt is without his team after they all either got killed off or were villains, so he is essentially a lone agent by the end of the first film. He operates as such in this second movie, without a full team (other than Ving Rhames, etc.). Once we get to the third movie, we see that Hunt is semi-retired and is mainly just an IMF instructor, but is forced back into action due to personal circumstances, which requires him to work with new team members. Then, by the time we get to the 4th and 5th movies, we get to the point where he has finally acquired a solid new team with SImon Pegg and Jeremy Renner, in other words he has slowly reassembled his team over the course of the series. Also, I love the rock climbing scene in the beginning of MI2, I think, in a way, it sort of started the tradition of the crazy Tom cruise stunts in MI, like the Burj Khalifa and now the plane scene :).

Interviewers: Mr. Cruise, why do you keep doing these dangerous stunts? Tom Cruise: *Yugioh Abridged Marick voice* I'M STILL FUCKING INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVED MI2, and Naya (Thandie Newton) was one of my favorite Hunt Girls.

When you talked about the scene of both jumping of the bikes I remembered The Count of Montecristo scene where both charge at each other, jump and suddenly fall down like ragdolls

This was the movie I enjoyed the most on my first binge of franchise!

I recently bought all the Mission: Impossible movies, I’ve seen Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation, and Fallout, so I decided to go back and watch the first three. I absolutely loved the first Mission: Impossible! It’s actually my favorite now. I went into this knowing the reception it has, but I had so much fun with this movie! It’s easily worse than any of the other movies, it’s incredibly cheesy and over the top, but it was so damn entertaining for me. M:I-2 is a guilty pleasure for sure. Now on to M:I:III!

Awesome review, thanks.

Yes, it's cheesy and over-the-top, but whenever I watch this film I am thoroughly entertained.

One sign this is a very different movie is that Ethan’s hair is to long it’s not bad but it feels weird coming off the first movie and at times he really looks like the terminator riding the motorcycle while wearing the glasses.

If you are going to drive a motorcycle, you NEED sunglasses. I don't think that was a Matrix reference, was it?

The reason Tom Cruise puts on glasses in the final action Scene is because riding a bike over 60mph with no eye protection will blind your eyes

I really liked the first half of the movie! -Rock Climbing was somehow pointless but i absolutely loved the scene :D -The Introduction of Nyah and the build-up of the romance was enjoyable, too -She is clever, tough, brave, a good thief, very beautiful and makes the movie a lot better in my opinion -Ambrose is a very disgusting villain. I was just as angry as Hunt was, when they send her to Ambrose -The horse-race was exciting too -Heist Scene was okay. I think too much stupid shooting... but she had a really nice move at the end of the scene! Second Half of the movie was so much over-the-top action... i really lost it

Hey Chris I'm a big fan even though I'm 10 but I live in Cincinnati and I love your videos

I just watched it again for the second time since it was released, and the second time was much better. Love this movie. Mission Impossible 3 is up next tonight to get ready for MI7.

Review John Woo's GREAT action films like A Better Tomorrow, A Better Tomorrow II, The Killer, Bullet in the Head, Hard Boiled and Face/Off!!

Awesome review Chris. This is the weakest of the series. Glad it was made up with 3-4.

concerning the scene with the motorbike chase, the only problem I had with it was the sudden change of tires on the bike when they go from road biking to off-road biking. I get it's for safty etc, but its just something that really bugs me about that scene. I imagine that they both stop at the beginning of the dirty track off screen and are helping each other swap their tires over just so they don't fall off their bikes, and then back to the chase.

@6:56: He needed the sunglasses to protect his eyes from the wind (riders use eyewear when not wearing a helmet) ; same reason why he grabbed em from the Bimmer M3 when he hopped on the bike in Rogue Nation.

Say what you will, the opening rock climbing scene was electric and memorable especially all these years later. Hans Zimmers soundtrack was a great backdrop.

You should do Shawshank. I would love to hear what you think of it

What's great about that mid air collision from the bikes is that they stop at the same time, say no words, and both simultaneously thought "Let's play motorcycle chicken and jump off our bikes at one another"