Ultimatum not the best, but still darn good!

I saw the Matt Damon thriller Bourne Ultimatum this weekend and came away quite impressed – it’s easily among my top 5 favorite movies of 2007. But, you probably could have guessed the film’s individual merits by reading the countless positive reviews it has received leading up to and through its massive $70+ million opening weekend. The consensus though is that Bourne Ultimatum is the best in the series. Not by my estimates, and here’s why (Note: There may be spoilers):

And the best chase scene goes to…Bourne Supremacy: Each of the “Bourne” movies has a signature chase scene (this 3rd installment actually had 2 good ones). So, given that it’s easy to compare and contrast these scenes, my favorite is still the Mercedes G-Class chasing Matt Damon in the Gazz Volga in Bourne Supremacy. The build-up and the pacing of the musical score is perfect during that scene, which starts off on foot and ends up with a massive tunnel crash – the scene is flawlessly shot and the stunts intricately coordinated.

Action vs. Drama: Let’s be honest, if “action” and “drama” were strapped into a “Bourne” motorcycle, action would have its throttle cranked and drama would be holding on for dear life. In Bourne Supremacy however, the action takes a back seat at points and the balance makes for a more complete story – where you can relate better with the characters and get to see some of Jason Bourne’s vulnerability (which Matt Damon does a great job with as an actor).

Speaking of vulnerability, or lack thereof: Jason Bourne is superman in Bourne Ultimatum. He takes on a handful of assassins, walks away from horrendous car crashes, and quickly dispatches of the Moroccan and Soviet police without the hint of even a papercut (but he does have the trademark limp). BTW, I never knew it was possible to jump a dirt-bike 15 feet in the air by launching it off a tiny dislodged piece of curb on the sidewalk. The point being, part 3 will require its viewer to suspend disbelief significantly more than the other 2 Bourne movies.

All in all though, Paul Greengrass is a talented director and has made another great “Bourne” film. I’d wholeheartedly recommend Bourne Ultimatum.

If I had to grade the series in order I’d rate it:

1. Bourne Supremacy – A
2. Bourne Ultimatum - A-
3. Bourne Identity – B+