Compelling story, decent performances in this deju vu thriller

Rating: 6/10 (6 August 2004)

Matt Damon does a credible job with this Ludlum tale. The story works, is compelling, and lives up to the novel to the extent that a movie should. The movie works, but could have been so much better if the director had not overdone the rapid-fire flashback fragments, which put an annoying staccato into the film. For some viewers, this staccato will become a major distraction and annoyance.
The chase scene is thrilling, well done for the most part, but goes on far too long and loses some validity as a result.
Stay tuned for yet another, for there is still a villain outstanding on the Russian side, which will provide a sedgway for yet another offering.