Save the best for last...

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2008)

"Look at this. Look at what they make you give".
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM successfully redeems the Jason Bourne franchise, after the debacle that was THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, with an adrenaline-filled visceral ride through Northern Africa, Europe, and North America. Though not as intelligent as the original THE BOURNE IDENTITY, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM is purely fast-paced action at its best. That's not to say the screenplay is poor or unintelligent; it's actually quite good, and writer Tony Gilroy puts a lot of work into it. Seeing this film after THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, one might not be able to tell that it was done by the same director (Paul Greengrass, of UNITED 93 fame). Greengrass totally redeems the series with a stunningly intense and resolute Motion Picture.
The acting is again more impressive than that in the usual action thriller, and viewers (myself included) are slowly starting to like the way Matt Damon portrays Jason Bourne: with a low-key, emotionless, and nonchalant attitude. Julia Stiles has a bigger role this time around and does surprisingly well. Joan Allen is also good, and David Straithairn is simply a wonderful addition to the ensemble, as his portrayal of Vosen is almost flawless and believable.
The action is top-notch. I am personally not a fan of over-the-top action thrillers, but there are at least two lengthy sequences in this film that will draw many viewers in because they are so intelligently compelling and involving. Greengrass has the same 'shaky-camera' 'problem' that pervaded THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, and while the camera work is not as crisp as in THE BOURNE IDENTITY, it's not as nauseating this time around, except for some of the hand-to-hand combat scenes. I suppose this was deliberate since I have noticed that some of the still close-ups are not without their 'shakiness'. My guess is that Greengrass does this intentionally to maintain the overall kineticism of the movie...who knows?
As mentioned, the writing isn't as good as the original THE BOURNE IDENTITY, but it is miles ahead of the sequel, and there is good development of characters and plot. As has become the case with many 'three-quels' these days, a lot of the story deals with past events (explanatory events that occurred prior to the original), and they are quite enjoyable.
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM surprisingly walked away with three production Oscars (Editing, Sound, and Sound Editing), and a close look at the film will reveal why: the sound editing editing is crisp and fresh; a departure from many action films.
Although I preferred THE BOURNE IDENTITY to this one, I will give THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM an 8/10 (even though the original got a 7) based purely on expectation and delivery; after THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, and after learning that Greengrass would helm this film as well, I expected the worst, and was pleasantly surprised. 3.5 stars (out of 4). The trilogy should, based on the strength of parts 1 and 3, make my 'Honourable Mentions' list. Highly recommended.