The Prisoner Lives?

Rating: 9/10 (19 October 2008)

Something nagged at me while watching this film and I suddenly realized that I was seeing the resemblances between this series and an old television series called "The Prisoner." I realized then that the whole Bourne plot was just a rehashing of that one. (It's amazing how many famous writers are really just retelling stories they've heard elsewhere without realizing it, but that's a tale for another time).
That said, this is an awesome film, especially given that I didn't know what I was watching for at least the first 1/3 of it and only got clarity later, like the monocular view Bourne has at one point in the film, getting clearer as the twists increase.
I, as other have mentioned, found myself laughing at some of the (intentional) umor, but t myself as well. In fact, I was well into writing my review as I watched it and was in the midst of rating it lower because of the "gaping plot holes" (agents using cell phones that could easily be traced while working for the CIA, etc.) until the "gotcha" came and I realized, along with the characters in the film, that I'd been played. The writers/directors knew what they were doing all along. (Which, too, I think is the problem with those who gave the film such negative reviews. They don't "get it", but like some forms of art, either you see it or you don't, and if you don't you can't. It's just a matter of connections you either make or don't make.)
For me, this was a wonderful movie. No, the plot (of the entire trilogy in fact) isn't really unique. Yes, the ending turns out to actually be hackneyed when you think about it. But the movie is so good and you are so involved in the plot and character that you actually find yourself smiling and cheering at it anyway.
A fine, fun film. And I, too, hope that the writers leave well enough alone and not do a prequel or sequel. Let him rest in peace....Well...at least let us imagine the other adventures on our own.