The Bourne Ultimatum

Pace, pace and even faster pace from start to finish. The story is directly related to the previous film and I think it was a good idea to watch both of them in sequence, because everything fits together beautifully. Greengrass's direction is second to none, and the very first sequence is so great that it can easily match a very similar scene from The French Connection. Matt Damon was excellent, but as much as his performance, I liked the interplay between Joan Allen and David Strathairn, who played with obvious gusto. (02/09/2015)

The beginning gets going in just the way we expect from the director. Greengrass "only" continues the ride kicked off by the second installment, but more observant viewers will realize this by a third of the way through at the latest. Yet the mix of feelings about a flywheel that perhaps has nothing to offer is swept away by the action in Morocco, which turns it up to 120%, moving furiously across continents to nail the viewer into their seat in breathtaking action and plot twists revealing Jason's past. The whole world was expecting it, but the result pushes all expectations beyond imagination. And while we will all (deservedly) praise Greengrass for the fact that action thrillers will have their most synonymous character in Jason Bourne for a few years to come, let's finally kneel before Matt Damon. After all, it's only during the third time that we can fully realize that he’s the one who actually "made" the role. (08/17/2007)

Some time ago, I wrote in my review of Supremacy that I hope that Ultimatum would be at least as good, if not better. It was better. This is basically one movie split into two. The last part of Bourne’s or, if you prefer, Webb’s adventures has a slightly more lively tempo than its two younger brothers. And all it’s really doing is filling in some gaps in time. The action is top-notch, shaky camera (some people don’t like it, I’m beginning to think I’m its only fan) and the choreography gets full marks. The whole part taking place in Tangiers is breathtaking. And New York is almost as good (the chase in the trilogy) and the cat and mouse in Waterloo station also has a special magic. Paul Greengrass has brought Bourne to proverbial perfection. He pushed hard in all the places where it was still possible after part 2. Nothing better for ending the series. Applause and satisfaction. (10/22/2007)

"I remember... I remember everything." Things have come a full circle, and Matt Damon is silent as a stone again and David Webb, alias Jason Bourne, returns to the movie theaters for a third time. The third Bourne isn’t any better than the second one. But I should add that it isn’t even a tiny bit worse. It has a little more action, unlike its older brother, it has a proper ending, again has incredible pace like few other pictures in this genre, gripping action, outstanding actors, excellent technical aspects, loads of scenes where the stunt-people must have really sweated, tons of ideas and... and qualities in all areas that are hard to describe. One almost insignificant problem can be found here. It’s that Greengrass’ version of Jason Bourne sometimes steals from itself. But who cares when it swallows you whole and doesn’t let you go until long after the movie ends. Although Ethan Hunt and even James Bond in his new guise follow the track beaten out by the second Bourne, despite both being extremely high quality, they remain deep in his shadow. And this ultimate experience does nothing to change that. Thank god. ♫ OST score: 4/5 (08/24/2007)

Even though sequels to successful films are usually just a mess or at least do not reach the level of the first installment, in the Bourne trilogy, it is exactly the opposite. The third film, which directly continues the story from the second one, is the most dynamic and stylistically polished part of the series. A very good script, flawless performances, perfect choreography of fight scenes, precisely selected background music, a frantic pace that engulfs the viewer, and fast camera work, which together with frequent cuts creates a seemingly chaotic mix of movements and forces the viewer to attentively follow the image. Perhaps only the somewhat clichéd scene at the end raises concerns about further sequels, as I do not believe that it would be possible to maintain the high bar that was set. The whole trilogy forms a logical framework that will conclude when Bourne confronts his creator and realizes that the toughest battle must be fought within himself. The entire trilogy is at the absolute peak of the action genre in this decade. Overall impression 95%. (08/26/2007)