The Bourne Ultimatum

Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Scott Glenn, David Strathairn, Albert Finney and Joan Allen.

Director: Paul Greengrass

Release Date: 2007

Running Time: 1hr 55 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Jason Bourne must dodge a ruthless CIA operative and his agents from a new assassination programme while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.

Trained killer Jason Bourne (Damon) is still desperately trying to find the answer to his identity. Bourne goes on the run when he learns London reporter Simon Ross is trying to unveil Operation Blackbriar, an significant upgrade to Treadstone. CIA Deputy Director Noah Vosen (Stratheim) wants him dead, however CIA Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Allen) is doing everything she can to keep him alive.  Meanwhile Jason attempts to track down Madrid based CIA station chief Neil Daniels (Stinton) who may just hold the answer to his real identity.

Ideally if you are relatively new to the franchise, it would pay to watch the films in order, otherwise particular scenes including flashbacks from the two previous films won't make an awful lot of sense,  director Paul Greengrass goes into a lot of detail in this film about what initially happened to Bourne,  detailing the events that took place in the first film. Paul Greengrass has taken the same approach as he did in the previous film with choosing to shoot the film in documentary style. Although this technique does add a dramatic effect to the film, it can be difficult to see what is going on too. It does, however give the film a sense of realism.

As the story progresses, Bourne really starts to remember his past and who he is in a series of flashbacks. The storyline is exciting and enticing, leaving you on the edge of your seat with a feeling of fear and suspense. The storyline almost feels like a puzzle to some degree, what is it they are searching for? The fact that questions aren't answered straight away is excellent. It allows you to keep wondering, keep figuring out what is actually going on. Bourne wants revenge and will do everything he can to get to Daniels. It becomes clear that Bourne doesn't trust anyone.

The idea to use little to no special effects has worked surprisingly effectively. Action sequences look real and genuine. The editing is very sharp and clean. Unlike other action movies "The Bourne Trilogy" certainly look the most real and effective, the film really deserved the Academy Award win. The stunt sequences are spectacular. The stunt sequences have been remarkably choreographed. Damon shows raw talent in his performance and his action sequences. An extremely well put together film, one that director Paul Greengrass should most certainly be proud of.

4.5/5