The state of spy movies about five years ago was, in a word, pathetic. The Bond franchise was sliding into self-parody, and no new blood was appearing to rejuvenate the genre. Then, in 2002, “The Bourne Identity” hit theaters. It was fast-paced, gritty and thrilling, and it did something no spy film had accomplished for a decade: it made espionage exciting in the post-Cold War era.
Today, Bourne is back, along with the series' trademark shaky camerawork. The amnesiac assassin tracks the people who made him what he is in “The Bourne Ultimatum,” in a story that bears absolutely no resemblance to Robert Ludlum’s novel of the same name. It is, however, a relentless and pitiless onslaught of suspense packed with the smartest and most thrilling set pieces of the summer.
“Ultimatum” doesn’t rely on elaborate CGI battles or even big explosions to land its punches. Instead, it stalks the viewer with techniques as old as hunter and hunted, executing them with the cold precision of a professional. Only Jason Bourne could make counter-surveillance sexy.
As Bourne, Matt Damon displays a world-weariness that is all the more disturbing in his boyish face. He visibly carries the weight of life as a fugitive, but watching him run circles around his CIA pursuers with chilling competence and a splash of black humor is endlessly amusing. The type of suspense in “Ultimatum” would ring hollow without an emotional connection between the viewer and the hunted spy. However, if a programmed assassin who lost his memory and subsequently devoted his life to exposing the people who made him really existed, no doubt he would act just like Bourne.
While Bourne’s investigation into his past drives the movie, some of the best scenes allow him to go into action. An early set piece in which Bourne guides a reporter via cell phone through London’s Waterloo Station is a tensely shot masterpiece.
Later confrontations with CIA goons, although replete with shots showcasing their cell phones, exude suspense and style.
“Ultimatum” returns Joan Allen’s character from the last installment and adds the superb David Straithairn to the CIA team that is hunting Bourne; Albert Finney plays a small but critical role. These veteran actors anchor the swirling web of conspiracy with charisma, accomplishing the near-impossible feat of imbuing suspense into a desk job.
"The Bourne Ultimatum" is unusually ambitious for a sequel, with brains and style to spare. The combination of sharp characters and acting, breathless rush of action, and sheer spy coolness make "Ultimatum" a wild and satisfying ride. Just bring Dramamine.
This review is brought to you by the Motorola RAZR, the official cell phone of assassins worldwide.
"The Bourne Ultimatum" is rated PG-13. It opens Friday at Green Hills 16 and the Hollywood 27.
