Great action, but several weaknesses.

Rating: Null/10 (28 June 2002)

This film is strong because Matt Damon delivers. The knife fight scene in the first half of the movie is thrilling and fast-paced. The car chase and the other combat scenes are just as compelling. However, there are a few pervasive shortcomings in the film. The first has to do with casting. Why was Julia Stiles in the movie? What purpose does her Character serve? Maybe she was trying to break her typecast as a lead in teen movies, but this role affords her but the most vapid of lines. The second casting question mark comes with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. He is absolutely brilliant in Oz, but really does not fit this role. This is a perfect segway into the second error of 'The Bourne Identity'. The plot is thinner than dental floss. The beginning and the end of the film pass by in a flash, leaving the viewer confused and disappointed. An example of this comes at the beginning of the film and its introduction of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje's character. Who is he again? I was not quite certain of this. I still to this day cannot decide whether he was a political hotshot or religious figure of some sorts. Another example comes at the end of the film, but has its roots all throughout. What is Treadstone? Is in an implant, a mind-control device? It is left vague. One could always use their imagination, but this vaguery does not bode well for the film. Treadstone, whatever it is, is quickly put under raps at a congressional hearing. It is over in fifteen seconds without any explanation. That was easy. The plot focuses solely on action, but great action movies have stronger plots than this movie has. Plot is essential, and one will find strong plots in such movies as Timecop and Bloodsport: these films have story lines to them that evince stark fluidity and lucidity. Overall, the action sequences were strong, and the movie does make for good entertainment. Matt Damon and Franka Potente have great chemistry and I hope to see them in a film again. , and the movie does make for good entertainment. Matt Damon and Franka Potente have great chemistry and I hope to see them in a film again.