Features > Movie Reviews > 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.

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.

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.

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.