Extreme Ways

A few days ago I saw the new thriller Jason Bourne with the long-awaited return of star Matt Damon. I've been anticipating another entry in the series for quite sometime and it was speculated that Jeremy Renner was to return with perhaps a teaming up with Damon's character. This, however, was not to be as director Paul Greengrass was lured to return for at least one more entry in the series. Damon, having tired of the role, was unwilling to return without this particular director.

I've been a fan of the Bourne films since the first movie. I had no idea who the character was (a lot like himself, get it) but when my mom sat me down and had me watch it back in 2002, I was hooked. Who knew it was going to spawn into the phenomenon that it did. The following two films starred Damon and further progresses his experiences on the lam from the CIA. In 2012, although it was announced by Damon that his last movie was to be the end of the line, Universal still pushed for a sequel with or without him and thus we get The Bourne Legacy with Jeremy Renner. The film was poorly received as audiences wanted Damon to return, however it did turn a large profit. 

Jason Bourne is back with a vengeance!

The new film takes places 10 years from the events of The Bourne Ultimatum and it's confirmed that Jason Bourne has survived from supposedly being shot by corrupt CIA branch head Noah Vosen. On his own again, Bourne is found to have survived by hiding low in out of the country. But, when ex-Treadstone operative Nicky Parsons does a computer search to expose all hidden US organizations and discovers Bourne's whereabouts, the CIA trace her and thus a new search begins for Jason. Nice going' Nicky... Tommy Lee Jones stars as the main "baddie" if you will, as these films don't really have villains but just hellbent high authoritative officers that will stop at nothing to take down the world's most hunted man: Jason Bourne. Adding to the chase, actor Vincent Cassel is added to the cast as Bourne's number one assassin.

Probably the best thing about this film, is the return to action and straightforward storytelling. I love a movie with a good plot and story, but seeing as this is the fourth Bourne film (not counting Legacy) the audience already knows his mission and what is he running for. Now, the focus is where to go from here. Sure there is some repetition with these movies, but this is what makes these films so awesome. We knew that he survived after being shot in the end of Ultimatum, and it's been a long time since we've seen him, so having him back is awesome. And boy does he kick ass in this movie! 

As for the director's style, Greengrass is known to be a documentary director, meaning he tries to make his films as realistic as possible, bringing the audience right there with the star. There are pros and cons with this way of directing. The cons are that it's difficult to make out exactly what you're watching a times; the camera still moves even during scenes of no action (which is not necessary); zooming into something to get a better view doesn't help when the scope is already moving from left to right. The pros: you are right there with the actor, you feel like you are documenting something, thus making it appear more realistic and believable; keeping the audience involved with what is going on in the film. Although I don't think I'll ever really get used to the camera moves, I do highly recommend these movies and think you all will enjoy this film. 

In conclusion, Jason Bourne is a breath of fresh air in the days of generic films and although the classic formula is still here, there is still room for new energy and different characters to keep it alive. I recommend it.

Now, to my readers, what is your favorite Bourne film and why? Would you like to see more films in the franchise or has it run its course? Please let me know in the comments below.