FORMAT: DVD
Remember those signs on the highway that used to read, “Was This Trip Really Necessary?” Well, they need a sign for The Bourne Legacy that reads, “Was This Movie Really Necessary?” It is essentially a Bourne movie… without Jason Bourne. I mean Bourne movies aren’t much WITH Jason Bourne to begin with, and this flick proves they are even less so without him.
It seems secret agent Jason Bourne ruffled some of the government’s feathers, so the CIA is out to exterminate any and all people associated with his old outfit. That includes a secret agent trainee named Aaron (Jeremy Renner). Naturally, he narrowly survives his assassination attempt, and he goes after the suits that green lit his termination.
Actually, the plot is about Universal Studios wanting to milk every last cent from the franchise with or without Matt Damon.
You know what this movie really reminded me of? The Dukes of Hazzard. Remember when Bo and Luke wanted more money, and they brought in Coy and Vance to replace them? Yeah, that’s basically what this is. The Bourne Identity: The Coy and Vance Years.
Director Tony (Andor) Gilroy (who wrote the previous entries in the series) apes Paul Greengrass’s shaky-cam style, but luckily doesn’t go overboard with it. The action highlights are unfortunately few and far between though. Although the motorcycle chase in the end is decent, it really feels like the sort of action scene you’d see in the middle of an action flick and not at the climax. (I did like the part where Renner jumps on a guy and squashes him Super Mario Bros. style.) Still, Gilroy doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Heck, since he doesn’t have Matt Damon, he actually brings LESS to the table.
You know if this was an original standalone movie it might’ve been OK. Not good mind you, but it would’ve at least been watchable. However, Jason Bourne casts a long shadow (the character anyway) over the movie that it practically keeps reminding you that you’re watching the Dr. Perky version every step of the way.
Renner isn’t bad in the lead, but he isn’t given much to work with. Rachel Weiz is given an utterly thankless role and Edward Norton just sits in an office and gets shitty with coworkers. At least the supporting cast is full of such heavy hitters like Stacy Keach, Scott Glenn, and Oscar Isaac. The fact that they show up in small roles makes sure this isn’t a complete waste of time.
Ultimately, this Bourne never finds its own identity.
I think you're dead wrong on this one, saw it in theaters and had a great time.
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