Best Spy Movie in Years

Rating: Null/10 (16 June 2002)

I saw the 10:30 pm show of The Bourne Identity on the Saturday night after it opened and I must say, I was very impressed. The movie grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn't let go until you see the credits. No bad press from yours truly. Matt Damon, despite his hearthrob image, plays the amnesiac spy perfectly. He has the confused expression down and when he fights, you get the feeling he's been doing it for years. Obviously, the use of cut shots and stunt doubles greatly increases the believability of Damon's physical prowess. Nonetheless, Damon establishes himself as a true physical and mental actor for the first time. And as for Franka Potente, she shines. Insanely sexy and intricate, she pulls off a performance that just falls short of Run Lola Run. The action sequences in the movie aren't too unique but they are well done. The fighting is enthralling as it is violent and lacks the obvious choreography of a wire fight. The car chase through the streets of Paris looks way too much like the thrilling car chase from Ronin but it still delivers a large punch to the middle of the movie. One of the things that makes this movie so captivating is the on-screen chemistry of Damon and Potente. You can feel their connection throughout the entire movie and their near topless makeout scene will make you turn your head to your signifigant other with a knowing look in your eye.
All in all, i think it might become the basis for spy/thriller/action movies for a while. It ranks in the company of the first Brosnan Bond, Goldeneye, and Robert De Niro's international thriller, Ronin.