STRAP YOUR SEAT BELT ON GO FOR THIS BOURNE RIDE
Written: Aug 03 '07 (Updated Aug 04 '07)
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Product Rating:
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| Bang For The Buck |
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Pros: Great action, fine acting, tremendous cinematography
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: For a total thrill ride and some great acting and writing, this is a "don't miss".
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| mike.holmes's Full Review: The Bourne Ultimatum |
Wow! That was my reaction to many of the scenes and the entire film after I watched the third in the Bourne trilogy, "The Bourne Ultimatum." Unlike many trilogies (bug not all) which appear to be mere continuations of the previous films, this is one sequel that is powerful in its own right.
Director Paul Greenglass ("United 93", "The Bourne Supremacy") and the screenwriters, Tony Gilroy (The first two Bourne films), Scott Burns and George Nolfi have succeeded in making a smart, almost over-the-top action film that still includes time for an intelligent story and even some humor. They were aided and abetted by a fine cast and a remarkable cinematographer, Oliver Wood ("Fantastic Four", first two Bourne films).
THE PLOT
The basic plot of the film is relatively simple. Agent Jason Bourne, who has been a hired killed for the U.S. government for the last few years (specifically elements within the C.I.A.) is now trying to find out who is really is. You see, Jason is a amnesiac who remembers absolutely nothing about the time before he started killing people. As the film begins, we find Jason (Matt Damon-"Good Will Hunting", "All The Pretty Horses", "The Talented Mr. Ripley") in Moscow although we learn quickly that the rogue element of the C.I.A. now considers him a threat to national security and wants him killed.
Jason moves quickly from city to city (in the first 5 or 6 minutes of the film, both Bourne and other characters are shown in about 8 different locations). We learn also that Jason has a few allies within the U.S. government who don't want him terminated. In reprisals of their roles in the previous Bourne films, Julia Stiles portrays Agent Nicky Parsons and Joan Allen plays Pamela Landy. Those two ladies are about the only friends Bourne has. David Strathaim ("Good Night, and Good Luck", "L.A. Confidential") is the chief "bad guy" C.I.A. manager who wants Bourne dead and believes the U.S. government should use any and all measures to fight perceived terrorism whether or not those methods violate the U.S. Constitution.
Through very brief flashbacks in Jason's memory, he starts to find out his true identity and what got him started on his assassin's quests. While he's on this road to self-discovery, however, he's involved in some of the most elaborate and exciting car chases and fights that I've seen on the big screen.
WHY I REALLY ENJOYED THIS FILM
While some of the action scenes are a little hard to believe (at least the results of those scenes) Director Greenglass and his crew have managed to put together strong action with characters we really care about. There is a sensitivity to the film that doesn't frequently exist in action movies.
Matt Damon not only does a great job of acting in the film, but he must have been in great shape to play the role. Strathaim is perfect as the totally unlikable government official while Scott Glenn portrays a very "Bush administration" official who is just beyond the reach of all the nasty goings on but aware of it all.
The ultimate point of the film really is a very strong indictment of the utilization of unconstitutional methods to fight terrorism or crime in general.
As I wrote earlier, the cinematography is outstanding throughout the film. The car and motorcycle chases as well as those on foot have one element that is often missing-intelligence. By that, I mean that we are privy to some amazing tactics that Bourne uses to evade his pursuers. The humorous element in the film concerns the almost "jigsaw puzzle" manners of the script. What seems impossible for Bourne is cleverly shown to be possible. Adding to the strength of the cinematography is the use of hand held cameras in several action scenes. One fight in particular stands out as the most grueling and realistic scenes that I've ever seen. It literally feels as though you're in the action.
This is one totally satisfying "end" to a great spy series.
FIVE BIG STARS
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Action Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing
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Epinions.com ID:
mike.holmes
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Member: Mike Holmes
Location: Odessa, Texas
Reviews written: 1260
Trusted by: 361 members
About Me:
TO HONOR TED KENNEDY, CONGRESS SHOULD PASS A MEANINGFUL HEALTH CARE BILL
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