Mission: Impossible 1 And 2 - Region 2 DVD

The original Mission: Impossible movie remains a terrific action-thriller. Led by Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, there’s a delicious mix of fine casting, cracking plot twists and momentous pace. Yet it’s director Brian De Palma who steals the show, delivering a handful of his superb trademark set pieces in a way that perfectly matches the source material. Sure, there’s the odd crack in it all, the odd ropey effect and a bit of unravelling to do, but this remains an excellent example of what a Hollywood blockbuster could and should be.

John Woo’s M:I:2 is less successful however, although you’d still be hard pressed not to enjoy it. Dougray Scott is drafted in as the nemesis this time, and for around an hour of the film, it hangs together well. But Woo’s movie is less focused and concentrated than De Palma’s, and it shows. Its flabby running time and more indulgent action sequences are both forgivable of course, as this is still good, routine, blockbuster entertainment, yet it’s far from the best work that either the director or star have put in.

Still, it’s a lively double pack you get here, and each movie does serve up the requisite levels of entertainment you’d be looking for. It’s just the original does it so much better.--Simon Brew