surprisingly good...

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2002)

And I went into the movie already expecting good things from the director of Swingers and Go. Liman did not disappoint with this spy/action movie that will hopefully lead to 2 sequels. This movie is by far the best movie of its genre that has come out in the last few years. No recent James Bond movie compares and neither do any of the Tom Clancy-Jack Ryan movies. Matt Damon is a believable action star (he definitely surprised me since I had my doubts before watching the movie, especially with the martial arts). This movie actually includes one of the best martial arts fights I have seen in awhile, and I have seen quite a few. It is one of those few action movies that you actually care about the characters and there is even well written dialogue. *Gasp* witty dialogue in an action movie? How could that be?
This is a totally different movie from Liman's previous efforts, but this just shows that he is definitely an up and coming director that knows how to make small independent movies as well as big box-office action movies. If you are skeptical of Matt Damon, don't be. He was actually very good and it helps that he is a much better actor than say his friend Ben...Franka was also extremely good and I have not had the chance to see her in Run Lola Run. Actually all the supporting characters were very well done.
Check this movie out, it is definitely worth the time and money.
***1/2 out of **** but once I see it again it may warrant 4 stars