Give it a chance

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2012)

It seems quite a few people didn't enjoy this movie for rather similar reasons, but I give it a 9/10.
It all depends on what you expect from this so-called sequel.
If you want someone like Matt Damon / Jason Bourne, with the same convoluted cover-up plot lines, and tense scenes from beginning to end, then you'll probably be disappointed.
I understand that loyal fans want more of the same, out of respect for the novels, original films, and their star and directors. But bear in mind that Legacy isn't based on anything Ludlum wrote, features a new cast, with Gilroy directing.
So I decided to expect changes, but just enough carried over from the Bourne trilogy to keep me satisfied.
The result: a high-octane thriller which has many standout moments; some of the best action sequences I've ever seen; superb performances from the supporting cast, but most importantly, a stellar turn from leading man, Jeremy Renner.
I agree the first 30 minutes are slow, but welcome the opportunity the audience is given to observe an Outcome agent's rigorous training up close, since we never saw this in the Bourne movies.
Too much scientific / medical jargon weighing the script down? I found it riveting - but maybe that's because I'm a doctor myself. :)
Rachel Weisz is, as always, excellent. Dr. Shearing is conveniently female, but Weisz infuses the character with quiet strength, stopping just short of tipping over the edge in a key scene where Shearing dissolves into hysterics.
Edward Norton is sorely underutilized but does his best regardless. There's only so much squinting and frowning one can digest before the routine gets old. I'm a big fan of Norton's, and he is one of the finest actors of his generation. Here's hoping he'll be back in Bourne #5, with Col. Byer's role expanded.
Director Gilroy does an admirable job following in the footsteps of Greengrass and Liman. I especially appreciate the less complex plot in Legacy - Bourne Identity was easy, but Supremacy and Ultimatum gave me whiplash - with more time allocated to the action.
Which brings me to Jeremy Renner. I've seen quite a few of his films, and applaud the producers and director for casting a 41-year-old instead of someone much younger. Renner is a double Oscar nominee, which helps a lot in the dramatic segments. However, he also possesses an astounding degree of athleticism, which wasn't apparent until Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, but is fully showcased in Legacy.
Remember Tom Cruise dangling outside the Burj Khalifa in MI4? Renner is equally up for danger as he sprints across rooftops and zooms through heavy traffic on a motorcycle in Manila. There're many more exceptional scenes with Renner's face clearly visible in the shots, but my personal favorite is the one at Shearing's countryside home, where Cross / Renner scales 20 feet of wall then launches himself into a 3rd floor room, before running to the top of the stairs to deliver a crack shot at an agent standing at the bottom.
Don't believe it's Renner? Check out The Bourne Legacy movie special with Alex Zane. There're clips of Renner scaling the wall, running across the flimsy rooftops, doing tumbles, riding the motorcycle at high speed etc.
Or better still, take a look at this amazing YouTube clip, at the 3:05 mark - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvIxaVNLXIg.
This is exactly what a Bourne movie needs.
It'll be interesting to see whether Bourne #5 will team Damon / Bourne with Renner / Cross. I have a feeling the latter is going to kick the former's ass.
Last but not least, thank you Mr. Gilroy, for including Singapore in your script! :)