The Bourne Ultimatum
Starring: Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine Directed by: Paul Greengrass Produced by: Doug Liman, Jeffrey M. Weiner , Henry Morrison
Genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Adaptation and Sequel Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min. Release Date: August 3rd, 2007 (wide) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence and intense sequences of action. Distributors:
Universal Pictures
Jason Bourne is back, hours after where the previous sequel, The Bourne Supremacy ended. This time, He wants to know who is behind Blackbriar, the CIA operation that birth him. The CIA also wants Bourne and considers him a prime enemy and pulls all its resources to find him. Will Bourne find out who he really is? This movie is the second sequel, after the original 2002 film The Bourne Identity.
I could not say that I noticed the handheld cameras that characterized the first two films, but I can say that the production values and cinematography in this film were much more attuned to Hollywood standards, than the first two films. It felt like blockbuster, even if it wasn’t really one.
I wasn’t a fan of the car chase, after having spoiled by Live Free or Die Hard’s take. There was less display of Bourne’s tactical and efficient martial arts skills with closer shots which gave but an impression of what was happening on the screen.
One issue I had is that with the many shots and close ups, it was difficult to imagine how Bourne could mentally visualize all of these details in his mind and choreographs the best moves to avoid being shot on camera or instruct others to keep out of harm’s way.
Keeping part of the soundtrack from previous films in this trilogy is good, as it helped establish some continuity.
As for the plot, it was like the first sequel, less intimate than the first film, but well thought off nonetheless. I might even add that this is the type of spy thriller that I like to watch, and find it more captivating than either James Bond or Mission Impossible. Here we have a spy who is not a caricature with greater than life equipment and weapons. It’s all about Bourne using his brains and resources to outfox his opponents.
Although a good thriller, it didn’t have any pose, allowing viewers’ mind to wander off, asking themselves what could possibly happen next. That one of the key moment of the film, where Bourne infiltrates the CIA offices, was spoiled in the trailers, wasn’t good for the film and gave away a good punch line.
The structure of the film was oddly similar to the previous two. It incorporated the fail female in distress aspect from the first, and the “I’m one step in front of you” from the second. It also borrowed nothing but the name of the novel it was inspired by as the plot was totally different from the novel. Although The Bourne Ultimatum was satisfying, it seemed very short and curt, just like Jason Bourne.
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