First of all, there is a reason why this film is so great. Brian De Palma directed it! De Palma is a master visualist and this movie looks like none other. De Palma makes complete use of depth within the frame and his visual style is unmatched by any director working today (Scorsese being the exception) so this film (unlike MI2) holds up and is still interesting & riveting after repeated viewings. MI2 is a stupid, cliched plot with lotsa action and explosions I have already seen. This one really makes you think when you watch it and the way the spy/action/suspense scenes are directed & handled are wonderful. Also, a great script from David Koepp & the legendary Robert Towne