Movie review: The ‘Bourne' series gets a strong rebirth
It's been almost a decade since Matt Damon last starred as ex-CIA agent (and secret special weapon) Jason Bourne in "The Bourne Ultimatum." That was the excellent third entry in the terrific series of films loosely based on Robert Ludlum's novels about Bourne trying to figure out his tortured past after the CIA erased his memory.
With this fourth film, it's totally fair to wonder about three things: Would it help to have seen the first three movies to enjoy this one more? Sure. Is it necessary to see the first three to fully understand this one? Nope. Is this one better than its predecessors? Oh, yeah.
Matt Damon, once again with very little dialogue, once again proves that he owns this role — grimacing, running, and fighting his way through it. Paul Greengrass, who directed "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" (taking over from Doug Liman, who made the first one, "The Bourne Identity") is back where he belongs, pushing Damon's character through his demanding paces, and creating a thrilling, dazzling atmosphere in which to play out the story.
He's got a major assist from his go-to editor Christopher Rouse, who also co-wrote the crackling script with Greengrass.
A brief, flashback-filled introduction reminds viewers what Bourne has been through in previous installments, then cuts to what he's doing now, 10 years after he walked away from his devious previous bosses and, Jack Bauer-like, went off the grid. He's in Greece, making his living by making use of his training: Viciously beating the hell out of unlucky opponents in illegal bareknuckle boxing matches. It's there that his old ally, also a former CIA employee, also off the grid, Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) finds him and says she needs his help. What he's not aware of is that she's being tracked by the agency's director Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) and an ambitious CIA cyber expert Heather Lee (Alicia Vikander) for stealing some Black Ops secrets that Nicky intends, in the manner of Edward Snowden, to put online.
That's all you need to know of the set-up. From there, the film launches into what fans expect (and their hopes will be exceeded), and what's going to astound newcomers. The assumption by Director Dewey that Bourne has resurfaced and he's going to cause problems (actually, Bourne was quite happy being away from it all) leads to him contacting a fellow known only as "The Asset" (Vincent Cassel), his hitman of choice, and telling him that Bourne is to be his next target.
The already fast pace of the film, perfectly assisted by the urgent, pulsing soundtrack, goes into overdrive; the first half-hour is practically non-stop action, with riots in crowded Athens, and main characters in cars, on motorcycles, and running up and down the streets. Then The Asset, already deeply involved, is ordered to "get to the roof," with high-powered rifle in hand.
A secondary story, involving a new computer technology that's covertly connected to the CIA (well, there is that Tommy Lee Jones factor; he could be a villain, or at least a snake) sort of slows things down for a couple of scenes, and there are a few moments of quiet talk to explain some of the goings-on. But that action is never far away, nor are the fuzzy bits of confused memories that keep welling up in Bourne's head. Surveillance devices are everywhere, the better to keep the CIA aware of Bourne's movements. The Asset keeps rearing his deadly head, allegiances keep changing sides, and all roads lead to Las Vegas, where a cyber convention, people with malice in mind, and utter pandemonium (including an absolutely bonkers car chase) await.
The Bourne series is in fine shape. So are the ideas of its star and director. I'm ready for another one.
— Ed Symkus covers movies for More Content Now.
"Jason Bourne"
Written by Paul Greengrass and Christopher Rouse; directed by Paul Greengrass
With Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones, Vincent Cassel, Julia Stiles
Rated PG-13