The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Overall rating from 1 to 100: 74

O Masterpiece (95-100)
O Excellent (75-94)
X Good video rental (60-74)
O Merely OK (50-59)
O Pure mediocrity (30-49)
O Medusa: don't watch (1-29)

Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007

I’ll answer the question always asked about the third installment of trilogies: “The Bourne Ultimatum” is better than the second movie and not quite as good as the first.

But if you loved the first two movies, then you’ll probably love this one. In addition to the plot, naturally, the way “The Bourne Ultimatum” is made seems to be a blend of the first two movies.

This is where we and Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) find out who?, what?, when?, where? That’s my plot description. Since this is a spy movie with ever unraveling and perpetually building secrets, I’m not comfortable, in good conscience as a good movie critic, revealing anything further. But you already knew this third movie was the explanatory conclusion, anyway, so, moving on.

I’ll proceed by telling you the second thing you really want to know. The action is exceptional, though not as frequent as I would have wished. But I guess the intensity and quality make up for the quantity. There are two scenes involving Bourne’s outfoxing a surveillance operation and a spy vs. spy battle that dazzle and astound. But overall, there is too much plotting and not enough action. Think less of me, but after all, this is an action flick.

When we do finally find out the big revelation, it’s not that big of a revelation or a surprise. If you want epiphany and closure, then this probably isn’t the movie for you. Rent it. But if you just want to see Matt Damon kick some [ top secret ], then go see “The Bourne Ultimatum.”

Directed by Paul Greengrass
Matt Damon / David Stathairn / Joan Allen
111 min. Action
MPAA: PG-13 (for violence and intense sequences of action)

Copyright 2007.
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