The Bourne Supremacy (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
'The Bourne Supremacy', directed by Paul Greengrass & loosely based on the novels by Robert Ludlum, is not a great follow up to The Bourne Identity. This film includes a strong cast. But in my honest opinion, it doesn't live up to high expectations. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), hiding in India, is tracked down by yet another enemy. How'd they find him? This time, it is a Russian assassin named Kirill (well-played by Karl Urban of Lord of the Rings). Of course, Jason must get out of this one alive, or there may be no more to the movie. How he fairs against his other foes throughout the film is another question. The meat of the film occurs when Bourne's fingerprints are inexplicably discovered at the scene of a murder in Berlin. What's more, a CIA agent is the victim. But, how could Bourne's fingerprints be in Berlin when he's hiding in Goa, India? The CIA gets involved & everyone is on the hunt for trained assassin, Jason Bourne … once again.
Someone will always be after Jason Bourne. The brunt of the plot in this film involves the CIA trying to find and/or kill Bourne. Joan Allen as Agent Pam Lundy is excellent in her role. She is convincing, & has never looked better. We, the audience, know what the truth is. We want Pam to realize that Jason may be innocent of this murder in Berlin. We want the bad guys to stop pursuing him. We pull for him and hope he can find out who he truly is. But is Jason all that innocent? Did he commit that murder? Julia Stiles, as Nicolette, is in a short-lived cameo, but scenes with her in them are hugely effective. Brian Cox is also stellar as Abbott. I just wish he wasn't so typecast. He always plays these loathsome, pompous windbags with way too much severity. At least, I think so.
As in The Bourne Identity, the film thrives on action sequences. While there are some exciting moments, I was anticipating the originality of the 1st film. There's a great trick using a toaster in an early scene, but that's the only real moment that gave me goose bumps. The chase scenes don't wow me like did in The Bourne Identity. The first film captures me, & this one doesn't. Thank goodness for Matt Damon. He is very good as Jason Bourne. In fact, his growth from the 1st film to this film is considerably noticeable. Damon brings poignancy to a type of character who we may not cheer for in any other film. Even when Jason is on a killing spree, there is virtue in his intentions. We marvel at Jason's skills, speed, & even luck, as he plows through city after city in escape mode. We wonder how he can survive chase after chase, fight after fight, death-defying leaps, & tricky maneuvers. But that is who Jason Bourne is; a trickster.
Overall, the film is good. I cannot even comment on any glaring weaknesses. I suppose I can say that almost every facet of 'Supremacy' is a small notch below the quality of the first film. I didn't even care for the monotonous, repetitive, unsteady camera work. It is difficult for me not to separate this film from the first one, as I find myself comparing them a lot; I don't mean to. I'm just not blown away with 'The Bourne Supremacy'; something is missing. The Bourne Identity was fresh, original, & exciting. Being overly critical of 'Supremacy' is difficult; I DID enjoy it. But personal preference is subjective; I felt the first film was superior.
Someone will always be after Jason Bourne. The brunt of the plot in this film involves the CIA trying to find and/or kill Bourne. Joan Allen as Agent Pam Lundy is excellent in her role. She is convincing, & has never looked better. We, the audience, know what the truth is. We want Pam to realize that Jason may be innocent of this murder in Berlin. We want the bad guys to stop pursuing him. We pull for him and hope he can find out who he truly is. But is Jason all that innocent? Did he commit that murder? Julia Stiles, as Nicolette, is in a short-lived cameo, but scenes with her in them are hugely effective. Brian Cox is also stellar as Abbott. I just wish he wasn't so typecast. He always plays these loathsome, pompous windbags with way too much severity. At least, I think so.
As in The Bourne Identity, the film thrives on action sequences. While there are some exciting moments, I was anticipating the originality of the 1st film. There's a great trick using a toaster in an early scene, but that's the only real moment that gave me goose bumps. The chase scenes don't wow me like did in The Bourne Identity. The first film captures me, & this one doesn't. Thank goodness for Matt Damon. He is very good as Jason Bourne. In fact, his growth from the 1st film to this film is considerably noticeable. Damon brings poignancy to a type of character who we may not cheer for in any other film. Even when Jason is on a killing spree, there is virtue in his intentions. We marvel at Jason's skills, speed, & even luck, as he plows through city after city in escape mode. We wonder how he can survive chase after chase, fight after fight, death-defying leaps, & tricky maneuvers. But that is who Jason Bourne is; a trickster.
Overall, the film is good. I cannot even comment on any glaring weaknesses. I suppose I can say that almost every facet of 'Supremacy' is a small notch below the quality of the first film. I didn't even care for the monotonous, repetitive, unsteady camera work. It is difficult for me not to separate this film from the first one, as I find myself comparing them a lot; I don't mean to. I'm just not blown away with 'The Bourne Supremacy'; something is missing. The Bourne Identity was fresh, original, & exciting. Being overly critical of 'Supremacy' is difficult; I DID enjoy it. But personal preference is subjective; I felt the first film was superior.