Action Re-Bourne

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 2007)

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a winner.
The Bourne Ultimatum is, in my opinion, the best action film of the year so far. It brings to the table so much that has been taken out of action films that we've seen recently.
First off, since this is an action film, we'll start with the action. One of the best parts of the entire "Bourne" series is that it doesn't try to drown you in over the top action. The fight scenes give you a sense of realism, as does the absolutely amazing car chase scenes. Nothing seems to make you scream out how unrealistic it was, instead giving you something incredible to watch. Not to mention the genuine tension that you feel throughout the film.
Next of course is the acting. Damon once again gives a phenomenal performance as the amnesiac CIA assassin Jason Bourne. The calm and stoic, yet unstable and edgy character that he has brought to the big screen continues to impress. While he won't get nominated for an Oscar for the film, he should. Bourne is far more impressive that just a simple action hero.
It doesn't stop there though, as Joan Allen and David Strathairn continue the great acting the series has had. Also, Julia Stiles gets an expanded role with her character Nicky Parsons, and keeps her own with Damon. The under-appreciated Stiles does a fantastic job and really gives you great genuinely human moments with Bourne throughout the film. Even when her character remains silent, it seems more intriguing than pages of dialogue.
The story continues where the previous films left off, with Bourne chasing his identity. Throughout the film, the story does seem to take a backseat to the action, but it never gets overshadowed and when it becomes the focus of the scene, it is given great care and doesn't disappoint. It's also great to see the many throwbacks to the first two films, including a splendid usage of the final scene from "The Bourne Supremacy".
The one problem is the cinematography during the action scenes. The shaky camera sometimes gets in the way of really seeing the entirety of the fight scenes, but it doesn't make the movie any less of a great thrill ride.
So to recap, the action is awesome, Damon and Stiles are brilliant, and the story is well crafted. This is what an action film should be. Fast, Smart, Remarkable. The best action film of the year, and one of the best films of the year, period. A must see.