Release Date: August 3rd, 2007 by Universal Pictures. The Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Albert Finney and Joan Allen. Directed by Paul Greengrass. BASIC PREMISE: Jason Bourne (Damon) tries to uncover his true identity while on the run from the CIA, led by CIA director Noah (Strathairn). ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: This intense, taut, action thriller film moves at such a fast pace that it barely lets you catch a breath. Much of the plot involves lengthy a cat-and-mouse chase between the CIA and Jason Bourne, who has a difficult personal mission to find out how he ended up with amnesia to begin with as well as his true identity. The mission leads him around the world to cities such as Paris, London, Madrid, Tangier and, ultimately, to New York—he moves through these cities too fast, though, as if he were Superman. CIA director Noah wants him dead to cover up their involvement in Bourne’s amnesia, all of which is included in highly confidential files in Noah’s office. Meanwhile, another CIA agent, Pam (Allen), joins the hunt for Bourne, although she prefers him to be caught alive. Both David Strathairn and Joan Allen play their interesting roles with utter conviction; the only weakest link is Julia Stiles as a bland CIA operative who briefly assists Bourne. Any scenes with her feel contrived and distract from the overall momentum of the plot. Fortunately, director Paul Greengrass keeps the pace moving along quite rapidly and includes plenty of exciting car chases to please action fans and, especially, Bourne fans. The camera movements look a bit shaky at times, which increase the tension, but, concurrently, will make you feel nauseous, especially if you’re watching this up on the big screen. Nonetheless, with so much action and a main character worth rooting for, The Bourne Ultimatum makes for a satisfying culmination to the Bourne trilogy. SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is required or desired. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None, as long as you suspend your disbelief. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0 IN A NUTSHELL: Loud, action-packed and very intense, but with slightly nauseating cinematography. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: DVD Main Page Alphabetical Menu Chronological Menu The "B" Menu ______________________________________________________ |