Action is Bourne!

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 2004)

This movie has become my favorite spy/assassin movie of all time. The first time I saw it I thought it was very good but not great. Wrong. This movie kicks so much a$$ it's ridiculous. I think you just have to watch it a few times before it sinks in. The acting was great, car chases were killer, plenty of shooting to keep you entertained, and a cool storyline to follow and keep you in suspense. Matt Damon is Jason Bourne, rescued by Greek fishermen 30 miles off the coast of France with two bullets imbedded in his back, he has no memory of his life or what happened to him. He soon discovers when he reaches land that a secret U.S. government agency called Treadstone knows he is alive and is trying to eliminate him. He must elude his pursuers across Europe and discover his identity with the help of a woman he hardly knows (Franka Potente) before it is too late and they kill him and her. Based on the best selling novel by the late Robert Ludlum, I have heard that the writers took some liberties when they created the screenplay but since when is that bad thing when you do a good job. The casting was excellent and the locations fantastic, one of the higher points often touched upon in other reviews. Chris Cooper and Brian Cox are poster boys for bureaucrats gone bad and Julia Stiles does well in her limited role. Clive Owen is devilish as The Professor one of the hitmen assigned to kill Jason Bourne. I never would have considered Matt Damon of all people as a legitimate action star but he sure can surprise you time and time again. He has definitely eclipsed buddy Ben Affleck in terms of box office draw AND acting. This one put him on the map as a leading man and sensational new star. Engrossing from start to finish. Followed by the sequel The Bourne Supremacy.