The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

All action and no story make for a dull movie.
Bourne Ultimatum (movie #3) is similar to Bourne Identity (movie #1) in that it exists simply for the sake of the action. There's hardly any literary content at all. It's just a straightforward plot that moves the action along. It's like so many other action movies. Sure the production is impressive with explosions, stunts, car chases, fighting, etc, but as far as dialog, motivations, characters, plot twists, or anything else clever, that's all been carefully stripped out. That doesn't cut it for me and I rate this movie low. I like the Bourne Supremacy (movie #2) the best. That one has more story.

Other reviewers here agree with me on the above points, but I disagree with them on the excellence of the action. I don't think it's all that great as I'll explain below along with my low opinions on the lack of story. I agree with another reviewer here that my review on the literary merit of the movie is a waste of time. The movie is about action and that's it. Critiquing its literary merits is like critiquing the safeness of a motorcycle. It's simply not about that.

Anyway....
The girl in this movie hardly speaks at all. She just walks around looking dumb and worried. If the girl was paid by the line, they paid her about $50 for her "role." Her close-ups become comical because repeatedly they cut to her, she looks worriedly into the camera, and then doesn't speak.

As many others have pointed out, the shaky camera work is annoying/nauseating/amateurish direction. I really hated it and it really did make me sick.

The story has a long, straightforward build up to an ultra-lame, straightforward conclusion, which makes me feel like I wasted my time. What's the big deal about his training anyway...you just need to train him as a sniper, which is no big deal, and then you're done. What Jason does is not that different than any other soldier, especially a sniper. Much more interesting was Bridget Fonda in "Point of No Return" and her cycle of training, initiation, and wanting out.

This movie inexcusably recycles material from the previous movies. We are supposed to be shocked when Jason reveals to Landey that he's calling from within sight of her. "Get some rest Pam, you look tired." That's just the same old thing and earned an eye-roll from me.

Again in the "unintentionally funny" department, we get comedy/spoof/"so bad it's funny" like running commentary:
"He's looking right at her!"
"He drove off the roof!"
As if we, the audience, couldn't see that he just drove off the roof. Actually this comedy material was some of the best fun this movie has to offer.

Jason takes the unneeded/indefensible risk of calling the CIA security down on him before he even cracks the safe. No trained burglar would do that. He just needed to hang up the phone as soon as the guy answered and said his name. And if cracking the safe was that easy the CIA wouldn't be using that safe. How did Jason know that the spook used his name as the safe voice password? He could have used any phrase. Ludicrous.

During the chase where the assassin chases the girl, Jason repeatedly jumps through the windows. Once is enough, twice is repetitious, thrice is an eye roll. He did it, like, six times. Severe lack of imagination on the part of the movie makers. Plus, that assassin must be a super blood hound to be able to track the girl from the street as she runs around on the rooftops.

Grade: Waste of time.

Bourne
This movie is as good as the other two. I have to have it for my collections!! If you have not seen it, put it on your list of things to do!! It is a very good movie!!

Revenge
I have not read the books, but after seeing these three films I will. First off this movie flows smoothly from the second movie and is an exciting third installment. Jason Bourne, once again played by Matt Damon still does not know whom he is. But after disturbing what peace he thought he might have last movie by killing his girlfriend, he is out for vengeance. He is even more driven than before to find out who he is. As Bourne once again moves quickly across the globe in what has become his never ending search for his self, dispatching all who gets in his way. This movie is entertaining and suspenseful. Yes there is non-stop chase scenes and fighting, but they are not repetitive and will keep you entertained. In this movie Bourne has flash backs of the death of his girlfriend and of his original induction into the C.I.A. and some of his training. And you will be happy to know that he will at least learn his true name in this movie. The movie also has some stars return to play recurring rolls, which was a nice surprise. There is also a political message in the movie for the U.S. public. I'll leave it to you to figure it out. As you decipher this modern political message within the movie, it will; make it even better. Though not everyone will like the message. I will give you a hint; believe it or not it is a liberal message. But hey, I enjoyed all the action and to heck with the message. After all this is work of fiction with a lot of action. Stay tune for Bourne Four.