Good, hard-boiled espionage flick

Rating: 7/10 (1 August 2004)

This film was well done. It told the story without pandering to the short attention spans of many of today's moviegoers. I liked it's gritty feel and serious tone. This is closer to how the early Bond films were than the world-saving, special-effects laden epics starring Pierce Brosnan.

Damon is believable as a desperate, yet ruthless expert. A killer who is rightly feared for his skills and seen as a threat. I also liked the upper level office politics within Langley. It's nice to show that these operatives are acting according to a policy sent down from above.

The editing was good with lots of quick cuts and hand-held/steadicam work was compelling. I always love a good fight scene and this film has one with an explosive conclusion. I liked it better than the first film simply because the character was established (at least in our minds) and we we could simply watch as he reacts and moves through the story.