As a fan of the original "Mission Impossible" TV series, I'm delighted that this sequel returns to its roots, complete with the intriguing, unexpected disguises and inventive gadgetry updated to the 21st century. Tom Cruise plays special agent Ethan Hunt who's recruited from a rock-climbing vacation in Utah for a new, globe-hopping mission by his IMF contact, Anthony Hopkins. His team consists of a computer genius, Ving Rhames, and a beautiful thief, Thandie Newton. Their target is a terrifyingly destructive super-flu virus. The deadly virus and its antidote were stolen from Biocyte Pharmaceuticals in Sydney, Australia, by a bitter, formidable IMF-agent, Dougray Scott, who threatens to ignite a worldwide plague. To achieve his goal, Tom must not only overcome all the physical obstacles that Scott tosses his way but also his own emotional turmoil when he realizes that he and Scott are both in love with the same woman. "That could be difficult," says Tom. "This isn't 'Mission Difficult'," retorts Hopkins. "It's 'Mission Impossible.' Difficult should be a walk in the park!" Screenwriter Robert Towne concocted the clever, intelligent script, while filmmaker John Woo proves why he's the most imaginative action director working today, combining reality with surrealism. The "acrobatic insanity" of the incredible stunts will have your adrenaline rushing - not to mention the firepower and explosions. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, "Mission Impossible 2" is an exciting, action-packed 10. It's a sleek, stylistic adventure thriller, a fun-filled popcorn picture that will not self-destruct.