Once again on the run from the CIA and their "assets," Bourne receives aid from two unlikely sources: CIA personnel Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) and Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles), both of whom have their own reasons for helping Bourne. Bourne's pursuit of Blackbriar leads him from Madrid to New York City, with lots of action and a high body count ensuing. What Bourne learns in Manhattan answers many of the series' biggest riddles, but also helps bring the films full circle. 'Nuff said.
Stripped of Treadstone and all of its double agent machinations, The Bourne Ultimatum is the easiest of the three films to follow and that's not a bad thing. The premise is simple: The good guy wants to know information the bad guys have, and the bad guys simply want to kill the hero before he can expose them. That clarity is especially helpful since this sequel also utilizes numerous flashbacks to the first two films in order to bring viewers up to speed. These flashbacks are judiciously chosen and seamlessly integrated; their inclusion doesn't stink of "Previously, on Bourne" exposition.
Damon once again masterfully underplays Bourne, simmering with intensity that is only fully unleashed when he kicks ass and takes names (literally, since he wants information). Allen finds the humanity in Landy, while Stiles hints at the internal turmoil inside Nicky. Strathairn is like a bullet leaving the chamber: He will find his target no matter what. His casting as Voss is a brilliant subversion of the "man of integrity" persona he's become known for (most recently in Good Night, and Good Luck).
The action scenes are breathtaking and they include some of the best foot and car chases ever filmed. Bourne's prolonged bout with CIA asset Desh (Joey Ansah) in Madrid is arguably the most brutal hand-to-hand fight yet in the series, while the car chase between Bourne and another asset, Paz (Edgar Ramirez), is like The French Connection on steroids. Bourne's superhuman-like ability to shake off almost any injury, blow or crash is utterly ridiculous, although it proves to be a key source of sly humor in the films and for the character's undeniable coolness.
Although The Bourne Identity's Doug Liman initiated the series and established its overall style, director Greengrass has, with this film and the previous sequel, made them his own and infused them with a political subtext and intelligence most blockbusters can't get away with. Greengrass has proven that Hollywood films don't have to be mindless to be fun or ponderous to be deemed smart. It will be very interesting to see what kinds of films he makes post-Bourne.
Live Free or Die Hard was great fun, but there's really nothing else quite like The Bourne Ultimatum in theaters this summer. That alone is reason enough to go see it. The fact that it's such a well-made film and wraps up the trilogy's loose ends with such style and fun is icing on the proverbial cake. - IGN
yeah very good film, just finish watching it awhile ago, action packed, liked julia stiles haha, good ending, though was expecting webb/bourne to pop out beside nicky parsons (julia stiles) back... welll i guess some ending doesnt turn out the way i expect it to be
Stripped of Treadstone and all of its double agent machinations, The Bourne Ultimatum is the easiest of the three films to follow and that's not a bad thing. The premise is simple: The good guy wants to know information the bad guys have, and the bad guys simply want to kill the hero before he can expose them. That clarity is especially helpful since this sequel also utilizes numerous flashbacks to the first two films in order to bring viewers up to speed. These flashbacks are judiciously chosen and seamlessly integrated; their inclusion doesn't stink of "Previously, on Bourne" exposition.
Damon once again masterfully underplays Bourne, simmering with intensity that is only fully unleashed when he kicks ass and takes names (literally, since he wants information). Allen finds the humanity in Landy, while Stiles hints at the internal turmoil inside Nicky. Strathairn is like a bullet leaving the chamber: He will find his target no matter what. His casting as Voss is a brilliant subversion of the "man of integrity" persona he's become known for (most recently in Good Night, and Good Luck).
The action scenes are breathtaking and they include some of the best foot and car chases ever filmed. Bourne's prolonged bout with CIA asset Desh (Joey Ansah) in Madrid is arguably the most brutal hand-to-hand fight yet in the series, while the car chase between Bourne and another asset, Paz (Edgar Ramirez), is like The French Connection on steroids. Bourne's superhuman-like ability to shake off almost any injury, blow or crash is utterly ridiculous, although it proves to be a key source of sly humor in the films and for the character's undeniable coolness.
Although The Bourne Identity's Doug Liman initiated the series and established its overall style, director Greengrass has, with this film and the previous sequel, made them his own and infused them with a political subtext and intelligence most blockbusters can't get away with. Greengrass has proven that Hollywood films don't have to be mindless to be fun or ponderous to be deemed smart. It will be very interesting to see what kinds of films he makes post-Bourne.
Live Free or Die Hard was great fun, but there's really nothing else quite like The Bourne Ultimatum in theaters this summer. That alone is reason enough to go see it. The fact that it's such a well-made film and wraps up the trilogy's loose ends with such style and fun is icing on the proverbial cake. - IGN
yeah very good film, just finish watching it awhile ago, action packed, liked julia stiles haha, good ending, though was expecting webb/bourne to pop out beside nicky parsons (julia stiles) back... welll i guess some ending doesnt turn out the way i expect it to be
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