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The Bourne Ultimatum Review

08 Aug 2008
Critics rating: 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed by Tom Charity , LOVEFiLM
The Bourne Ultimatum

There is no ultimatum in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Nevertheless, this may be the ultimate Bourne. It certainly feels like the end of the road, even if Universal will be desperate to persuade Matt Damon otherwise.

Cast details

Kicking off where The Bourne Supremacy left off, with the rogue spy limping out of Moscow, the movie initially seems intent on replaying part two. Bourne's ex-CIA paymasters aren't prepared to let sleeping dogs lie, especially when this one appears to be connected to a Guardian reporter (Paddy Considine) who knows too much for his own good. Of course anyone familiar with Jason Bourne will realise that he's hardly the type to shoot his mouth off. (Not least because he can't recall the secrets hardwired into his noggin.)

Nevertheless, deputy director Noah Vosen (David Strathairn) is impatient to close off this potential breach, and instructs the agency's 'assets' (assassins) accordingly.

The Bourne Ultimatum: Matt Damon

Julia Stiles' Nicky Parsons turns up out of the blue in what can only be counted pure coincidence, but the moviemakers can't think of anything for her to do except place her in jeopardy. Joan Allen fares better as Pamela Landy - at any rate she gets more lines than Matt Damon - but the movie's crowd pleasing climax is hardly less far-fetched than any James Bond finale.

That's an observation, not a complaint. Former World in Action director Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday; United 93) has hit on a technique that feels so completely realistic, it's worth noting what it allows him to get away with. And what it doesn't: he choreographs a car crash so you-are-there you want to check yourself into an emergency room after, but it's jarring when both drivers show up minutes later barely scratched.

The movie gives us such a blizzard of images we hardly know if we're coming or going.

That's an observation, not a complaint. Former World in Action director Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday; United 93) has hit on a technique that feels so completely realistic, it's worth noting what it allows him to get away with. And what it doesn't: he choreographs a car crash so you-are-there you want to check yourself into an emergency room after, but it's jarring when both drivers show up minutes later barely scratched.

The Bourne Ultimatum Reviews

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LOVEFiLM Review Bourne Ultimatum, The

  • 4 stars out of 5  

    By Tom Charity from LOVEFiLM

    Matt Damon returns to play Jason Bourne for a third time.

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Most helpful review Bourne Ultimatum, The

  • The BEST movie realesed this summer

    Rated - 5.0 stars  
    By a customer from Cardiff, Wales , 17 Aug 2007

    [Highly rated reviewer]

    If you loved the last two, your gonna love this one. This is an intelligent, soild action movie with characters and a story which is genuinely captavating. This has the best fight scenes out of the three movies, but the car chase isn't as good as the last one. However, this is the best film in the series and the supporting cast are top class, its nice to see a film which has proper actors, with a visionary director who doesn't need to rely on CGI to tell the story. By far the best film of the summer, if not the year.
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All reviews

(1060)
  • Great film - one of my faves

    Rated - 5.0 stars  
    By Doccox27 (3 reviews) , 22 Mar 2013
    Bourne always delivers. This film has a solid plot, with lots of undercurrents and tension plus the all important action.
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  • not to good

    Rated - 1.0 star  
    By a customer , 12 Mar 2013
    have to agree with other reviews the film is hard to get throw and you do get bored with the running and flash backs the story is good but could of bin done better
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  • best bourne

    Rated - 4.5 stars  
    By mattledden (1 review) , 22 Feb 2013
    great film definitely the best bourne film absolutely love the ending!!! they probably didnt need to make the last one :(
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  • Brilliant Film

    Rated - 4.0 stars  
    By a customer , 30 Dec 2012
    The Bourne Ultrimatum was everything I thought it was going to be because I love watching the Bourne films and this did not disappoint me at all. It was packed full of action and brilliant and kept me on edge right to the end and it was surprisingly very good too with a twist in the tale. I would say watch the film and you will love it.
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  • David Webb

    Rated - 5.0 stars  
    By RSG (1 review) , 05 Sep 2012
    I thought this was the best one out of the trilogy, great action and tied up the story well! Cant wait to see the 4th in the series tomorrow
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