The Bourne Supremacy

British film-maker Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday) takes over the directing duties from Doug Liman for this sequel to The Bourne Identity and manages the rare feat of improving on the original. Two years after ex-CIA operative Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) apparently escaped the attentions of his spymasters, a corrupt Russian businessman frames him for a double assassination, which drags Bourne back into the murky world of international espionage. Greengrass uses his drama documentary background to good effect, delivering consistently exciting action without ever pushing the bounds of credibility. As Bourne, Damon continues to impress in a role that goes against his wholesome, all-American image — moving slickly and almost silently through the film like a small, angry black hole. The James Bond producers should take note as Bourne may well be the future of spy thrillers.

Efficient thriller that does not stray far from the conventions of the genre, from disposable girlfriend to implausible car chase, but is always watchable, despite its confusing, strobe-like editing at moments of excitement.