Smoothly bookending the trilogy

Rating: 10/10 (18 August 2009)

I haven't read any of the novels, though I know enough to be able to assure you, these movies are different from them. This is pretty much adrenaline in celluloid form. From the first to the last frame, this is incredibly exciting and intense. The action gets a definite upgrade, bigger and also better than before. This manages to put a fresh spin on stuff we've seen before in the new franchise, and it works impeccably well. The choreography and execution of the fights, shoot-outs and car-chases are excellent, with no exceptions. I don't know exactly what it is, but the hand-held camera is simply nowhere near as distracting and unpleasant as it was in Supremacy, in fact, it's great. Maybe they improved, or perhaps one adjusts to it during that film, and is then ready for it in this one before it even started. We are again treated to exotic locations around the world, and they are gorgeous, sights to behold. Tangiers is unforgettable in several ways. The stunts are astounding. This has a marvelous plot that ties the three stories together, and develops well throughout. The pacing is spot-on, in spite of being unbelievably fast, it allows you sufficient time to catch your breath, so the audience is not overwhelmed. There is genuine suspense in this. This can actually be watched without having seen the other two, and without it seeming full of redundant recaps. Exposition is perfectly handled. The acting is strong, every single performance. New additions to the cast are well-chosen. Characters are well-written and fleshed out. The emotion and impact are very good, if Identity is possibly a little superior in that area. This is easier to follow than the second one, and more complex than the original, 2002 one. The score is yet again fantastic. On the DVD are 12 minutes of deleted and extended scenes sans explanation, five featurettes, four of which I will review on their entries here on the site, and an insightful and informative Director's Commentary. I recommend this to any fan of those who made it, and/or the series. 10/10