Bourne's best yet

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2007)

Great example of the modern action thriller as Matt Damon reprises the title role and basically travels the world with the CIA on his trail as he seeks the truth about his amnesia. Okay none of it is remotely grounded in reality but for sheer white-knuckle ride entertainment, this can hardly be beat, so sit back, strap yourself in and go with the flow. The set - pieces are terrific, from the murder in the crowds at London Victoria Station to Bourne's pursuit of a top CIA assassin on the trail of his female ally - the from-behind shot of Bourne crashing through an apartment window at the scene's climax is classic - as well as a heart pounding car chase. Characterisation is of necessity slim, with few exceptions it's polarised goodies versus baddies, but there's no denying Damon's presence in the title role, essential as the film stands or falls on his ability to carry the viewer along with him in his quest (subjective shots are plentiful). Although convoluted, the plot makes a sort of sense and via a few twists and turns, comes full circle at the end. I've bemoaned blockbuster SFX thrillers before but this franchise justifies any number of inferior copies and I for one hope that old Jason gets another knock on the head to go round all over again.