Movie Review - “The Bourne Ultimatum�
*** STARS
The “Bourne” movies have become more high profile, popular and sleek than most of the recent 007 James Bond movies put together. Matt Damon’s innocent good looks and charisma have made these movies the most anticipated sequels in a long time. In a summer of big tent pole sequels that disappoint creatively (or three-quels as they are called) like “Shrek 3″, “Pirates 3″ and “Spiderman 3″ it is refreshing to see a popular movie character treated with such respect and cohesive direction. Each of the “Bourne” movies improves on the previous one in some way, shape or form.
In this film Jason Bourne wants revenge and he is willing to kick ass and even kill to get the answers he needs. I was stoked when I read the good reviews for “Ultimatum” pouring in before it came out. I knew the character would continue to grow and we would find out more details on the origins of “Jason Bourne”, but not so seamlessly.
Director Paul Greengrass is a master at directing cramped, claustrophobic scenes and car chases on beautiful European streets and tight alley ways. You can see the attention to detail and care that Greengrass put into developing Bournes’s background story in the flashback scenes. The style and cinematography give this film a hip edge that most action/spy films lack these days.
Joan Allen once again gives a fantastic performance with true realism and grit. Most of the cast from the previous films makes their return as well. The feeling that we are coming full circle with the Jason Bourne character, and that there may be more to come, makes me love this franchise even more. As a fan I don’t get the feeling that the makers of this film want to sell out their lead or spread the story too thin, there is much more that can be done with this series of films. Each time we witness a “Bourne” film we are treated to a new spin on one of the most clever action film franchises of all time.
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