Amateur Film night

Rating: 5/10 (23 July 2004)

The Bourne Supremacy is an excellent example of how every element is needed to make a good action movie. The writing, acting and directing must all come together in a special harmony. A rare occurrence. Something this movie's predecessor achieved but this film sorely misses.
Matt Damon does his usual effective job combing the fragility of his lost memories with the cunning and skill of one of the most deadly assassins. The rest of the cast deserve high marks as well, especially Joan Allen.
The plot is well thought out if somewhat predictable. The dialogue and staging is neither insulting nor unnecessarily complex.
The problem is the filming and, boy, is this a big problem. In fact it makes the movie almost un-watchable. As others have mentioned the hand held 'jiggly' cam-corder filming severely distracts from the picture. This filming style, combined with extreme close-ups of everything from actors to the cars leaves the audience feeling nauseous. The big chase scene was so bad I actually had to get up and leave for a trip to the men's room.
This movie should have been great but the director's choice of frenetic pacing and blurry and dark camera shots leave nothing but disappointment for me.
I know there will be a 3rd Bourne movie maybe even a fourth or fifth. It could be the next James Bond (Wasn't that supposed to be Vin Disel?) I just hope they send Paul Greengrass back to MTV and find a different director. Watching a two hour flick-flick video just wasn't for me.
If you must go to this movie sit as far back as you can and at least you won't leave with a headache. Better yet go rent/buy the first Bourne movie and see what a good action movie is all about.