The rise of the modern action hero

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2008)

The new millennium has found its new action hero and it's not XXX or Pierce Brosnan's James Bond -- It's Jason Bourne. Based on the popular Robert Ludlum novel, "The Bourne Identity" finally makes the solo action protagonist work in the era of amped up stunts and special effects. Bourne is slick, skilled, way smart and attractive and best of all: he doesn't even know who he is. While more fast-paced and driven by mystery than most action heroes (certainly not as leisurely as James Bond), "Bourne" finally delivers the no-nonsense hero we all rightfully deserve.
We are introduced immediately to Jason Bourne (Damon) as he is pulled out of the Mediterranean Sea with two bullets in his back. When he wakes, he has suffered a complete memory loss. Interestingly enough, however, he finds he has a pretty incredible skill set that includes some sort of mixed martial arts and heightened environmental awareness. Slowly he pieces his life together, only to find he's wanted dead for some reason by the CIA, who presumably he used to work for. While on the run, he picks up Marie (German actress Franke Potente, "Blow") who decides to join the goose chase rather than ditch him and take his cash.
The film carries a pretty all-star cast including Chris Cooper and Brian Cox as CIA higher ups and Julia Stiles and Clive Owen in smaller roles. They help sort of spread out your interest in the mystery elements of the film, mainly the very large and looming enigma that is Jason Bourne. As it is part of a greater series "Identity" doesn't exactly answer all your questions, but it clearly establishes who Bourne is and why the audience should care about him.
The concept of Bourne not knowing who he is at the film is a very obvious entry point for the audience--we are meant to learn about Bourne as he uncovers the truth himself and identify with him and his actions/choices as a result. He may be much more of a super spy in terms of the sweet moves he pulls on his enemies and not how many gadgets he uses (none), his drive to understand why he is that way keeps it real for us.
Matt Damon is a great fit for Bourne. He pulls of the sort of robotic, lay down the law quality that is Bourne's action hero side, but he does get across the internal struggle to understand himself that makes him human. Potente as the leading lady is an odd choice; the casting directors were certainly not going for a knockout in the looks department (or acting for that matter) but her very generic looks sort of help ground the film in reality in a way. Not every action hero is meant to hook up with a supermodel equivalent.
Most importantly, the action is really well paced and exciting, impressive for director Doug Liman's first action film. The fights are incredibly well-choreographed and the editing is nothing short of fantastic. While the script tries to awkwardly heighten the drama at times, you're really too caught up in the story and the action sequences to care too much about what Bourne and Marie are saying to each other. This is a spy thriller first, ask deeper questions later movie and best of all, you never shake your head at it. Welcome to the new age of action heroes.