The Bourne Legacy

THE BOURNE LEGACY

You really can't ask for more in a modern action thriller

It's Jared Bourne

2012, Espionage Thriller, Rated PG-13

Distributed by Universal Pictures

          So you didn't think Jeremy Renner could fill Matt Damon's shoes? You were dead wrong. I was so into this movie that two hours and fifteen minutes flew by. I was very surprised (and disappointed) when it ended. It could have gone on for another half hour and I would have been glued. The best part is that the story doesn't end when the credits role. They really leave you hangin'. Be prepared for a whole new trilogy of the Legacy of Bourne.

          As far as straight-up action movies go, this is the best of the year so far. When I say that I pretty much mean excluding comic book movies. This movie is like no other out there. It is truly gripping. From one badass action scenario to another, Renner as Aaron Cross of the Outcome Operation kicks so much butt and in the coolest, most original ways. The story of this film is essentially that what happened in the first three Bourne films set off alarms with everyone involved in the Outcome Operation (Sort of like what Bourne went through: a super secret science experiment to genetically enhance spies like Aaron and Jason). When the stuff hit the fan with Bourne, they decided to terminate all their other enhanced agents in the field. When they send a drone to take out Aaron and another agent, they can't kill Aaron. He escapes and then the movie is dangerous, edgy chase scenes and tension all around.

          I loved each action setting in this film. First we get a snowy Alaskan wilderness where Aaron must avoid detection by, and missiles fired from, a flying attack drone. This is one of the most exhilarating scenes. Everything from the subtle camera work to the action that plays out is superb. I was so into it and seriously worried about Aaron. He is incredibly resourceful, though, so I need not fret. He escapes the drone (I'm not giving anything away there, it's the first action scene) and then you don't see snow ever again in the film. Then he's in America and we get some nice fight and chase scenes in the good ol' U. S. of A. When that gets old, Aaron flies to Minila, Philippines to finish the film off in a totally new and exciting environment. I really liked the changing of the settings in which Aaron beat up baddies. I can't say this enough: as far as gritty action goes look no further than The Bourne Legacy. It's the best of the best.

          As far as acting goes, everyone turns in a great performance. Rachel Weisz as Dr. Marta Searing and Jeremy Renner as Cross carry the film and keep it interesting, giving the best two performances. I also really liked that even the small roles (people chasing Aaron, Marta's co-workers, people looking for Aaron) were superbly acted. There isn't a dull moment in this film and credit must go to the bit-part actors as well as the leads. The only performance I was not enthralled by was Edward Norton's. For some reason he was the only actor that I felt didn't belong in the film. He does a nice job but I felt like the way he played it didn't fit the Bourne universe. Oh well, it's still a great film.

          The Bourne Legacy is a must-see for many reasons, such as the ones listed above. There is one scene in this movie, however, that should be experienced in light of the whole film. Aaron Cross isn't even in the scene. It's not even an action scene. The tension and suspense built up in it, though, is incredibly well-crafted. I'm not going to say what the scene is but it involves Rachael Wiesz's workplace. When you see it, you'll know what I mean. It's edge-of-your-seat riveting.

          This film is not an after-thought. It is a great expansion to the Bourne universe and totally deserves a viewing whether you are a Bourne fan or not. I can safely say that you will be able to pick up on what's happening if you haven't seen the first three Bourne movies. You just need to know minimal back story. Overall I applaud the makers of this film. It is exhilarating and in this comic book action movie era, even though it is not original, it feels like a nice breath of fresh air. I loved it. You will too.