Better in almost every way.

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2013)

The rare example of a sequel that builds on and surpasses the original, "The Bourne Supremacy" ups the game and is one massively entertaining flick.
Matt Damon has a little more to work with this time out, often playing a more contemplative supersoldier than the boyish fish-out-of-water amnesiac of the previous movie. What happens to the character in this movie is rough and terribly sad, and Damon wears the weary effects well. As for the rest of the cast, beefing up Brian Cox's role was a good move (wasn't enough of him in "Identity"), as well as the addition of Joan Allen. Good actress and a good fit for the role.
The killing of Marie so early in the story was a ballsy move, but proved a great way to get at Bourne and get him back on the offensive. Having her tag along again as our main character globe-hops would've felt like a retread and slow things down. They made the right call. On top of that, Bourne's frame-up that leads to a deeper mystery was a great way to sequelize the original movie, as well as open things up for additional movies. Solid approach.
As for Greengrass' "documentary style" camera work and quick-cut editing, it does take some getting used to. And I can surely understand how it's a turn-off to some (maybe most). But it doesn't (for the most part) detract from my enjoyment of the piece, and it does add to the kinetic sense of perpetual movement that makes the movie exciting. Also gives the fight scenes a jolt, though they don't really need it with those brutal thud sound effects.
It's in the car chase that the camera work and hyper editing goes overboard. This chase scene has such a dizzying effect on the senses that it is a bit much. And once the action comes to a close and both cars are crashed in the middle of the tunnel, you kinda feel that post- car accident disorientation. But Greengrass uses the preceding foot chase (a great one) to build things up. But the time we get behind the wheel, we're so amped that it almost flows nicely.
But "Supremacy" is a hell of a movie; holds up incredibly well after repeat viewings, and even the reuse of "Extreme Ways" for the end credits is still a fist-pump of an ending. It's definitely my favorite of the series.
9/10