Mission: Impossible 2

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Hans Zimmer is connected with blockbuster Hollywood because Gladiator and Mission: Impossible 2 are undoubtedly big entertaining names for the mainstream crowd all over the world. And Zimmer delivers the goods again with John Woo's slow motion feast, meaning that Hans simply adds what drives the main part of action movies. The inevitable ruckus when required, a touch and sniff of brand flair added through the Spanish guitar solos of Heitor Pereira and the emotional deep vocals of Lisa Gerrard, to remember you of their successful collaboration on Gladiator. Now add a choral masterpiece of immense proportion and the main action sound and M:I-2 is born for you're pleasure, at least for those that saw the movie because everything what drives the film is delivered on pure Zimmer level. And the fans don't want it any other way. You want sheer explosive action music, well you receive it loud and clear. And this is the real pain, 'Bio-Techno' is indeed horrible but remember, this is a complete shoot scene inside the movie and I absolutely heard nothing when seeing it in the cinema. Okay, that is the main flaw of the soundtrack, the rest is acceptable and powerful on other occasions.

'Injection' is the pure highlight, featuring Lisa Gerrard's amazing vocals and a brilliant musical accompaniment of Zimmer, reminding you what Gladiator offered the public in the first place. Followed through pure choral delight in 'Bare Island', at least the first part, the second piece is rather loud but nothing horrible. Another piece of Zimmer's score I like is Ambrose's theme, getting dark choral accompaniment a la The Peacemaker during 'Ambrose'. Still, the Spanish flavor that surrounds the love character Nyah will please the most, Heitor Pereira's excellent solos will spice up the flavor and tap-dancing will obviously remind you of The Mask of Zorro. At least you have to say that M:I-2 offers variety, making the score the solid and attractive listen on its own. People that think their idea of M:I-2 will obviously need to watch the movie, because it fits and it clicks and for that part you at least have to appreciate the effort of Media Ventures' highest pawn. I feel that Hans Zimmer tackled the score like it should have been from the start and nobody can approach this score differently, it needs the rough attitude of Ambrose's character and the main heroic aspect of Hunt, the Mission Impossible theme used only slightly and sporadic. And please don't start with complaining about the electrical guitar. Face and accept it, please. Another background cue has to be 'Mano a Mano', sort of Tan Dun's approach with drums backing up the main fight, of course a bit more technical but its the same approach. M:I-2 isn't Hans Zimmer in total gladiator style but offers the exact punch and requirements, making the score solid and extremely effective during the movie. Exactly what film music has to do, at least accept that if you will.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Hijack (4.03)

2. "Iko-Iko": Zap Mama * (3.21)

3. Seville (4.32)

4. Hans Zimmer featuring Heitor Pereira "Nyah (Film Version)" (2.20)

5. "Mission: Impossible Theme" (0.38)

6. The Heist (2.22)

7. Ambrose (2.36)

8. Bio - Techno (1.42)

9. Injection (4.48) Excellent Track

10. Bare Island + (5.29) Excellent Track

11. Chimera (1.42)

12. The Bait + (1.00)

13. Mano A Mano (4.21)

14. Mission: Accomplished (1.43)

15. Nyah And Ethan (5.09)

* Different version contained in the film

+ Contains excerpts from "Mission: Impossible Theme" written by Lalo Schifrin

Total Length: 45.56

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Hans Zimmer ===