Plot: Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) continues to race around the country to try and discover the final mysteries of his past, while new government officials attempt to eliminate him, and anyone else that might try and help him. Who’s it for: It seems you flock to these movies because you are either a Matt Damon fan, or like edge of your seat action … or perhaps, just perhaps, you like both of these things. And ladies, there isn’t any romance in this one if you were wondering.
Expectations: I expected great things. So far, the “Bourne” series is right up there will the great trilogies of all time. In fact, can you name a better action trilogy (assuming you think part three holds up)?
SCORECARD
Actors:
Matt Damon as Jason Bourne: Every movement is just perfect. He’s three moves ahead of everyone else. When Jason sees a Madrid address, he’s in Madrid the next scene, and more importantly we believe he can do it. Grade: 8
Julia Stiles as Nicky Parsons: As soon as Stiles appeared in “The Bourne Supremacy,” I thought the only reason that happened was because she would have a bigger role in this film. I was right (and am currently patting myself on the back). She’s good as a sidekick and perhaps more importantly, doesn’t overstay her welcome. Grade: 7
David Strathaim as Noah Vosen: Typically, Strathaim sticks to smaller, indie films, but luckily he chose to show up in this one. Noah is a slimy, power-hungry, corrupt government official who you love to hate in every scene. Grade: 8
Talking: It’s odd, the audience laughed during some of the dialogue, but the humor comes from how serious Damon delivers every line. It’s uncomfortable enough to prompt laughter to break the tension. Being smug or funny wouldn’t work. Grade: 8
Sights and sounds: You’ve heard me complain before of SCS (Shaky Camera Syndrome). Well, “Bourne” does it, too, but it’s the one film that it works for. Everything’s shaky, including zooming in on buildings. But “Bourne” makes it work. Everything feels tense while not obscuring the action. Other action directors, take notes. Grade: 9
PLOT SPOILERS
Best scene: The reason you should give your $10 to see this movie is the chase scenes, and “Bourne” doesn’t disappoint with two great ones.
Ending: The secret revelation really didn’t do much for me. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever really cared about the overarching plot of any one of these films.
Random thoughts: If you’re like me, you always feel slightly confused about what is going on during these films, but I am very content just sitting back and watching the action unfold. My one question: Did Nicky have a past with Jason? I thought there was slight reference to that, but I could be mistaken.
Rewatchability: Yes, just like the two that came before it. Perhaps a “Bourne” night with the boys, back to back to back? That came out wrong.
OVERALL
“Bourne Ultimatum” and the entire “Bourne” trilogy, has fooled us all. Somehow we think these are intelligent action movies because they are shot in exotic foreign locales, there are secret documents constantly being passed around, there aren’t stupid one-liners and we’re never told the full plot until the end. Don’t get me wrong, I love these films. But they really are just mindless action movies — just done INCREDIBLY well. Matt Damon plus mind-blowing chase sequences make “The Bourne Ultimatum” a clear step above the rest of the action flicks of 2007.
Overall Grade: 8