The set of Bourne movies have already established their formula for a successful action movie. The use of a jerky camera style and government conspiracies entrenched movie goers in the first two tries. But with the third installment sneaking out into theaters, will we find more of the same or something completely new up on the screen?
"The Bourne Ultimatum" picks up shortly after the previous film. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is hopping all over the world in hopes of finding out any information he can on how he was made into a killer. As he stumbles upon more and more information, puzzles, chases, brawls and killing become involved. The more he begins to uncover, the more furious the CIA becomes as the secret to his creation is a well-guarded one. It becomes a chess game between the CIA station chiefs (David Strathairn and Joan Allen) versus Bourne and all associated with him. But this chess game could very well result in the death of Bourne.
Without a doubt, this is a smart, hip and entertaining action movie. To its credit, it is by far the easiest plot to follow from the Bourne series. That's not to say it dumbs itself down by any measure.
Matt Damon is careful not to show too much emotion or too little, which fits his brainwashed character perfectly. In fact, everyone who appears in this movie, from Julia Stiles to even the minor agent characters, does a fantastic job with their roles.
The movie is not without faults, though. For instance, watching Damon direct a journalist through a crowded station to avoid security cameras for 10 minutes is not exactly the most thrilling to do on a Saturday. And, for the fight sequences, the unique camera angles that make this film hip become almost nauseating and make it hard to tell what is going on within the fight itself.
But those minor hiccups don't completely disrupt an otherwise fun movie. The ending gives proper resolution and hopefully closes the door to the series (though you can never discount another sequel at any time).
If you love intrigue, conspiracies, suspense, technology and cool chase scenes, you certainly can't go wrong with this James Bond for a new generation.
'Bourne Ultimatum'
Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles
Director: Paul Greengrass
Run time: 111 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for violence and intense sequences of action
Now playing at: College Square, Crossroads 12, Waverly Palace
4.5 stars out of 5
Posted in Movies on Thursday, August 9, 2007 12:00 am
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