Bourne again

Rating: 8/10 (12 December 2008)

If anyone is looking how to spend a couple of hours with a fast action film, they should look no further than to "The Bourne Ultimatum". Based on the Robert Ludlum novel, this is a movie that will not disappoint fans of the genre, or thrill seekers all over the world.
The film, directed by Paul Greenglass, takes us on a fast ride through several cities following CIA renegade operative Jason Bourne, who wants to find out his true identity. In the process, he will be chased by the same organization responsible for his own creation. The adaptation by Tony Gilroy, who also contributed to the two prior screen treatments of the saga, and the superb "Michael Clayton", offers an interesting premise for this movie. George Nolfi and Scott Z. Burns also worked in the screenplay.
Jason Bourne is one of those movie characters that are larger than life. He proves that he is always one step ahead of the same people that gave him a taste for the job he was trained to do. Bourne problems begins when he wants to meet with a journalist from the English newspaper "The Guardian". The CIA chief, Noah Vosen, has other ideas in mind. He sends a team of killers to take care of Bourne at the busy Waterloo railway station in London. From that moment on, the film doesn't stop one moment to let the viewer catch his breadth.
Matthew Damon is well suited to portray Jason Bourne. This is an actor that is not as effective in other types of roles, but as an action hero, he looks unflappable. Nothing seems to bother him during some difficult moments where he has to fight all kinds of danger. David Strathairn, one of the best character actors of this generation, is excellent as the malevolent Vosen. This actor projects such malice with flair and style. Joan Allen, another excellent actress, doesn't have much to do in this version of the Bourne saga, but she has a pivotal role in helping Bourne achieve his goal. The rest of the cast, Julia Stiles, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, and even the great Albert Finney, have limited screen time.
The cinematography is by Oliver Wood, a good man to have behind the camera. His work is impeccable in whatever location the action takes place. Christopher Rouse's Academy Award winning editing enhances this film. John Powell's musical score greatly contributes to our enjoyment. Ultimately, all praise must go to Paul Greenglass whose intelligent approach makes this an action film that will stay in the viewer's mind long after it had finished.