| “The Bourne Ultimatum,” which opens in theatres Aug. 3, is the final installment of the “Bourne” trilogy. |
Jason Bourne does it again in the final installment of the action-packed “Bourne” trilogy.
“The Bourne Ultimatum” is the last of the films loosely based on the Robert Ludlum books of the same names. After spending the last two films attempting to discover who he is, while running from the powers that seek to destroy that truth, “Ultimatum” has Bourne finally getting somewhere in the quest for his identity.
Unlike the trailer suggests, Bourne does not “come home” until halfway through this film. The first portion is spent country-hopping among Spain, France, Germany and Morocco in attempts to track down the people who might know how he was built into an assassin.
While the other “Bourne” films focused on Bourne’s plights, the action of “Ultimatum” is split down the middle between Bourne’s adventures and the CIA’s tracking of Bourne as it tries to once and for all eliminate its dirty secret.
“Ultimatum” is not about what happens following Bourne’s recovery of his memory as the trailer suggests. Foggy memory sequences piece together the past throughout the film, and only in the end does Bourne discover why he was trained as a killer.
Matt Damon gives the performance we have come to expect. David Strathairn joins the cast as CIA bigwig Noah Vosen. Strathairn performs well as the detestable man in charge who is out for Bourne’s blood. Joan Allen is back from “The Bourne Supremacy” as Pamela Landy and is surprisingly likable as the CIA agent who attempts to help Bourne along his path. Finally, it seems no “Bourne” film would be complete without Julia Stiles as Nicky Parsons. Stiles has never been an impressive actress; her character in “Ultimatum” only serves to underline this shortcoming.
Success has been provided to the “Bourne” series because – although they are action films – they are smart action films. Unlike most flicks that follow a clear objective, the “Bourne” trilogy demands viewers’ full attention as they unravel the mystery. What’s more, audience members can’t help but be captivated because the use of hand-held cameras makes it nearly impossible to tear one’s eyes from the screen.
“Ultimatum” takes the hand-held camera technique to the max, thus adding to the confusion and anxiety felt by viewers. The jagged camera movements make the action difficult to decipher and ultimately reduce the film’s goriness.
“The Bourne Ultimatum” lives up to its good name as all the secrets reveal themselves. This movie won’t win any Oscars, but it reflects the entertainment standard set by its predecessors.
Rachel Buccicone can be reached at [email protected].
