Although it adapts Greengrass' style very well, its condescending simplicity, motivations and ending simply aren't worth the money.

Rating: 6/10 (26 June 2013)

It's ironic that the least Bourne-esque film of the series made me suddenly realize the genuine appeal of the original trilogy, which for some reason I didn't understand their significance and acclaim. They are grown up, intelligent action movies for grown ups. Unfortunately, when I saw them, I wasn't grown up. I saw all 3 in the cinema, and not again since besides the odd scene or so from TV. I didn't get Identity, disliked Supremacy and actually quite enjoyed Ultimatum. As far as The Bourne Legacy is concerned, it's really simplified. The entire film is essentially a cat and mouse chase though it feels like there's room for something more. I often enjoyed the simplicity of the plot and the action sequences are excellent and utilize Greengrass' style of everything-too-close-up-but-by-god-it's-rough very well.
Unfortunately, the point of Bourne is its realism. That's what makes it exciting. There are too many moments where it felt too unrealistic or forced, which is okay for a generic movie but not for Bourne. Fortunately, these were all between the action, and the fight scenes were the quick thrill I wanted. My biggest problems with the film, besides most of the conversations between any characters, was the introduction of genetic enhancement pills, which almost feels like science fiction. They attempt to do it with subtlety, but then that subtlety is ruined by adding a wordless, stock threat character against them for the climax. It doesn't feel like a worthy climax at all. However, I am glad to see a film that doesn't look overadvanced in technology and has the good ol' graininess I've missed and is very well acted by Weisz and Renner.
Despite the big flaws, it is an entertaining film. Unfortunately, all the best action moments were in the trailer and I found myself waiting for them. By what I thought was the beginning of the third act, I was asking myself "so where are they gonna take it now?" and then it ended abruptly (cued by Moby's "Extreme Ways" of course). However, that question wasn't strong enough for me to actually care about where they're going to take it because they didn't leave any hints as to where it could go. It highlighted just how weak the plot strands are when I expected them to go somewhere with it the whole time. Granted, it's very clear they were just leaving it off there for a sequel, but that immediately skewers the intention of the film from an observed different perspective to a franchise cash grab. Though I do feel like giving the originals a second chance.
6/10