THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

[Moviefan02000]

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/universal_pictures/the_bourne_ultimatum/thebourneultimatum_bigreleaseposter.jpg

Synopsis: "Rogue agent Jason Bourne is being hunted by the people in the CIA who trained him to be an assassin. Still suffering from amnesia and determined to finally learn his true identity, he is lured out of hiding to contact a journalist named Sam Ross, who has been following his story. Throughout his research, Ross has gathered valuable information about Bourne and Treadstone, which trained him. This is rather inconvenient for U.S. government official Noah Vosen, who is hoping to start a new organization under the codename Blackbriar, which would follow in Treadstone's footsteps.

With intent to silence Bourne and the journalist before they expose the program's disturbing secrets, Vosen sends agent Pamela Landy to lead the search effort. Meanwhile, lethal assassin Paz is dispatched to find and neutralize Bourne and Ross. In order to finally learn of his true origins and find inner peace, Bourne will have to evade, out-maneuver, and outsmart the deadliest group of agents and assassins yet."

Directed by: Paul Greengrass (THE BOURNE SUPREMACY).

Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Albert Finney, and Joan Allen.

Screenplay by: Tony Gilroy (THE BOURNE IDENTITY) and George Nolfi (OCEAN'S TWELVE).

MPAA Rating: "PG-13," for violence and intense sequences of action.

Feature Running Time: 111 minutes.

Release Date: August 3rd, 2007.

Distributed by: Universal Pictures.

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[Moviefan1234]

This looks excellent, I can't wait to see it!

[stuntmanBOB]

Im there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ilovemovies]

I'm really pumped for this movie. It's probably the last chance for a truly great summer movie.

[Cronos]

saw the trailer for this again today and i'm really looking forward to this, looks like it'll be just as good as the first 2

[bigred760]

Same here. Really looking forward to this; I've loved the trailers, I love the first two, am anticipating this like nobody's business.

[filmforlife]

Chicago film critic Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com has just published a review of “The Bourne Ultimatum,” which can be found here:

http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/2007/08/bourne-is-back-badass-in-ultimatum.html

[Superplasmatron]

Its out on my birthday, what a treat!

[filmforlife]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
Its out on my birthday, what a treat!

Well happy early birthday!

[travisvornoff]

i love the first two movies alot and i cant wait to see this one. super excited! WHOA!

[Bourne101]

Looks like it could be the best of the series.

[Strider]

I'm looking forward to The Bourne Ultimatum as well. I really digged the first two films, so I can't wait until this third installment.

Strider

[gyro_44]

Over at Rotten Tomatoes:

97% fresh with 28 positive reviews, and 1 negative

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bourne_ultimatum/

Wonder if it's going to be good?

I liked both Bourne movies so far and I thought Paul Greengrass brought some great, visceral style to Supremacy, so I can't wait for this... I may see it opening night.

[Superplasmatron]

The first two are now both available in extended versions for £12.49 for the both of um, in Hmv. Wooo, even if you just wanna watch car chases these films are the shit, though that larda in the second was abit too indistructable.

[Superplasmatron]

intense sequences of action.

ha ha ha

[daddiefatsacks]

what a wicked movie, i loved all the chases and fight scenes, jesus christ, he finds a way to fight with a godamn cook book!

Bourne rules

8/10

[Burgerking]

Looks badass, im gonna rent the first two to refresh my memory on the story.

Just read the JoBlo review. Kind of weird:confused: I don't know, he gave it 5/10 while saying the story and action was great but there was shaky cam. I don't know how shaky cam can single-handedly bring the score down to 50%, especially considering the second film had it and if you've watched any Paul Greengrass film you'd know he loves it, so you'd think you'd be expecting the shakiness?

I don't know, review just seemed without much argument or reason. I'm going in, I'm expecting shaky-cam (I have no problem with it) and I'm expecting for some smart and high-octane action, which are two things we see too rarely mixed these days.

[daddiefatsacks]

yeah i don't understand the low-rating either, or the complaint, the camera WAS shaky but it really didn't take anything away from the film, or the action scenes, if you enjoyed supremacy and the way it was filmed, its the same way in ultimatum

[tjwells]

Tim, I hate to tell you this buddy, but your reviews are WAY off-base. How anyone can give a 5/10 to The Bourne Ultimatum and a 6/10 to Norbit, I will NEVER understand.

[Bourne101]

Originally posted by tjwells
Tim, I hate to tell you this buddy, but your reviews are WAY off-base. How anyone can give a 5/10 to The Bourne Ultimatum and a 6/10 to Norbit, I will NEVER understand.

His reviews are not awful at all. He simply just did not like The Bourne Ultimatum and that is his opinion, and he stated why and that's that. Roger Ebert didn't like A Clockwork Orange, but there's no denying that his reviews are well written, no matter how much you dislike him.

[tjwells]

But he marginally liked NORBIT.

NORBIT!

Just think about that for a second...kind of scary, isn't it?

[ilovemovies]

Paul Greengrass does a brilliant job with the action and chase scenes. They are undeniably exciting. I wish the movie was more emotionally involving though. Matt Damon, though is very charismatic and gives a rock solid performance, doesn't exactly give his most emotive performance. It doesn't even come close to the touching scene at the end of Supremacy when Bourne confronts the daughter of the two people he killed. That scene was moving. In this movie there is nothing that comes close to that.

Still, the movie is a taut, fast paced thriller with two unbelievably amazingly fantastic scenes. The first one takes place in Madrid, particularly in the Waterloo. And the second in Morocco. I was on the edge of my seat for both entire scenes.

[Bourne101]

Originally posted by tjwells
But he marginally liked NORBIT.

NORBIT!

Just think about that for a second...kind of scary, isn't it?

He was probably in the mood for a mindless, dumb comedy at the time. So what? I didn't mind Norbit. It was not good by any means, but if you're in the mood for that kind of movie, it's alright.

I'm sure there are a few movies you like that a lot of people would call you crazy for liking. That's just part of the movie world, but there's nothing wrong with liking a critically bashed movie, or disliking a critically acclaimed movie.

[daddiefatsacks]

i enjoy readin Tim's reviews, and most of the time i agree, i just find it odd we disagree on this flick.

Still pumped from seeing this movie, might even see it again soon, just for that scene in Taniger!

[Antarius]

Just saw it today and loved it. I particularly enjoyed how they tied the ending of the 2nd movie into this one. I have to agree jo-blo was way off on this review, I read his review before going to see it so I was expecting a sub-par movie but was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. The action was fantastic, the car chases in all the Bourne films are top-notch, only comparison I can think of is Ronin. Too bad Damon is done with the character, he really has done a great job with it.

[Rated R]

Circulating the Rotten Tomatoes reviews I have noticed a trend in the (very few) negative review blurbs. They all seem to mention the shaky cam as the detractor. Of course I haven't read all the full reviews but this seems to be the common link between those reviews. To be honest, if that's the only thing wrong with it (which is debatable if it's wrong at all) that's not too bad.

[dman476]

Just to clear this up (the authoritative voice speaks ;)), the shaky cam is NOT a detractor most of the time. It is actually quite good and makes the film more suspenseful and exciting. It is also not as shaky, The Bourne Supremacy had a much worse case of the "shakes". :p

The one thing I would have liked was to have steady shotss for the fight scenes (and by fight scenes, I mean the one-on-one Bourne vs. Assasin de jour thing). That was too frenetic for its own good, but even then, it doesn't really hurt the film much.

[JCPhoenix]

The best in the Bourne series I think or at least tied with the first one. It's a refreshingly old-school action/suspense film with some really fun setpieces, especially an early one that dealt with covert maneuvering and a reporter. It should be commended as well for the easy integration with the other films, tying everything a little bit closer together and bringing back one character who has appeared in the past two films. The most fun moment of the movie was unfortunately given away in the trailer but that doesn't detract from the entertainment in seeing it happen. The shaky camera was toned down from the second film and I think it works well for the film - we sat in a front row where movement would be nauseating and for most of the movie, we were able to see 90% of everything that happened so I don't think there's any problems on that account. My only problem with the movie is that there is perhaps a lack of meat to the information that Bourne is looking for - but it's the journey that counts in this case rather than the end result.

8/10

[Jig Saw 123]

The Bourne Identity: 8/10
The Bourne Supremacy: 9/10
The Bourne Ultimatum: 10/10

[DareDevil]

Bourne Ultimatum was not a dissapoitment and IMO an improvment from Supremecy. Jason Bourne is back and kicking all types of ass. Matt Damon really delievered the goods, the big fight with the sniper bluck dude was amazing, the roof shots were great and the jumping through the windows was intense. And they definetly topped the first 2 car chases with this one, Bourne behind the wheel of the cop car was just great, had the theater apaluding! I even dug how Julia Stiles had a larger role she's grown up nicely and she fit in well. So yah overall the movie was a great expierence! The Bourne trilogy stands as one of the best action triologies of all time If i had to rank them I would say that Identity and Ultimatium are both 9/10 and Supremecy is a low 8

[Scarfather]

The Bourne Identity - 7/10
The Bourne Supremacy - 7/10
The Bourne Ultimatum - 8/10

The only real problem I had with this movie was the under use of Albert Finney.

It's definitely the best of the trilogy, the final scene was wicked, and for the love of everything sacred, I think I have to update an old rock n' roll phrase.

If you can't follow the shaky cam, you're too old.

[veddhead83]

Enjoyed it greatly. The Best of 2007 so far...

"The Bourne Ultimatum": A

[cletus66]

The Bourne franchise has gotten better with every movie. The Bourne Ultimatum is the best Bourne yet and it is among the years best so far. The action sequences were great and I felt the shaky camera work so many had a problem with in Supremacy was much less distracting in this installment. I really hope Matt Damon comes back for a 4th bourne movie because this franchise just keeps getting better unlike mosty which start to fall apart in their third installment.


8.5/10

[athf1980]

4.5/5

The best smart action movie so far this year. It's nice to see an action movie that as the story drive the action not the action drive the story. This one had the best fight. There is the shaky camera but more controlled. Damon is great as Bourne again. This one is probably my fav. out of the three.


Bourne 1-4/5-
Bourne 2-4/5
Bourne 3-4.5/5

[franky4fingerz]

WOW!!!!What a surprise. I knew it was going to be good but I didnt expect it to be great. It was most indeed great. My number 3 movie of the year.
10/10

[anakinsrise]

Usually by the time a film series reaches its third act,im glad the character or characters mission or plight in life is coming to its end.Not so with the Bourne series.These films just keep getting better.Matt Damon is reliable as ever as Bourne.Great action and smart,dangerous cat and mouse games throughout.Julia Stiles (im still in love with her)even adds a bit of intrigue to the story.Will we learn more about her ties to Bourne? Will the Bourne Betrayal make it to the big screen?? I hope so !!!!!!
Scale of 1-10 a 10

[thedudeman69]

Ok, when he is in Vosen's office, and he is on the phone with him and he says "where are you right now?" and Vosen says "I am in my office", and Bourne says "I doubt that." and Vosen says why, "Because we would be having this conversation face to face if you were in here"

I laughed really hard that because it was so bad ass. Also right before Daniels is exploded by the assasin, That whole sequence and the chase afterwards with the final beat down, was awesome.


8/10 and one of my best of the year. Greengrass is a marvel.

[bigred760]

It's amazing, not to mention impressive, how the Bourne movies seem to be getting better with each installment when it doesn't even look like they're trying that hard. The Bourne Ultimatum continues what its predecessors started with great action, an awesome hero, and an excellent supporting cast that prove no match for said hero. Not forgetting Paul Greengrass' great shaky cam directing that gives the movie somewhat of a unique sense of style. Throw it all together and you get a great finale to a kickass action trilogy.

The formula for the movie remains the same: Jason Bourne is trying to find clues to his identity and past, and there are some SOBs that are trying to stop him. He continues to kick some ass, take some names, and succeed and not letting anybody get in his way. This movie also includes the same exciting action, a few chases - car or otherwise, and some great banter and what not between Bourne and his pursuers. There is so much to enjoy in the movie, whether it's the action, the story, or the character interaction.

After seeing Matt Damon for the third time as Jason Bourne, it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the role - of course, that might be true for the second as well, but the third outing just adds to that fact. He handles the fight scenes, the stunts, the dialogue, and everything else so well. He's joined once again by Julia Stiles and her character, Nicki, and Bourne cross paths once again. Also along for the ride one more time is Pamela Landy, played by Joan Allen, as she becomes more of an ally to Bourne. On our hero's trial this time is a guy in the CIA who is trying to prevent Bourne from finding out to much about how his past relates to the agency. Another great cast helps add to the fun of the movie.

It's rare as hell when each entry in a franchise outdoes its predecessor, but I think the Bourne movies succeeds in that effort. It ups the ante in the action, story, and intrigue. All three Bourne are connected so well through story as well as characters, but The Bourne Ultimatum has a great scene towards the end that connects it to the second in the franchise that puts everything in perspective, chronology-wise, that make me like the second movie a little more. Matt Damon and crew have created a great character and action franchise that is topped off by a great flick in The Bourne Ultimatum.

8/10

[FatSakHead]

Question to those that have seen it: Does the movie feature the same Moby song in its end credits as the previous two did?

[corran horn]

Saw it yesterday, and it was AMAZING!! The movie had me fixated at the screen and when it ended, I was surprised to see that two hours or so had past. Damon was as amazing as ever and David Straithairn made an excellent villain. I especially loved it when Bourne told Straithairn's character "If you were in your office, we'd be having this conversation face to face". I barely noticed the shaky-cam, and if that made people queasy, then they're either very old (though the older people in the audience I was in made no complaints) or have serious health problems that must be addressed.

Overall: Best live-action film of the summer and second-best of the year thus far: 9.8/10

Re song at end: yes, I believe the same song is used.

I am so getting this on DVD, probably in a boxed set

[JasonBourne]

No wonder I have the tag, I f*cking loved the movie!! The Bourne Trilogy is my favorite now!!!

[movie2cats]

I will be the first one here to agree with Tim's review of Ultimatum. I thought that the story and characters were phenomenal, but the camera was just too damn shaky. I was somewhat on board with the action sequences, but we really didn't need the camera to continue shaking throughout the dialogue sequences. Now I am just ranting here so I will sign off with "Spot on, great review, I agree." 5/10

-almost done. One one my employees watched it earlier today and couldn't stand up afterwards (he gets motion-sickness, though generally not from movies)!

[Superplasmatron]

Is it out in america then?


Whats Paddy like in it?

[ToiletBug]

But is it really the same conversation as Supremacy?? The Conversation only happens once and the stories are intertwined? Im not sure if this makes sense though because I believe if it does there are more contiunuity errors then any other movie ever lol. I mean isnt he looking through a lense in this one when he calls her? And the seasons are different I think too?

Can someone explain in detail this for me?! Is it the same convo as bourne 2 or is it a different one were they are talking code this time?

[JasonBourne]

Originally posted by ToiletBug
But is it really the same conversation as Supremacy?? The Conversation only happens once and the stories are intertwined? Im not sure if this makes sense though because I believe if it does there are more contiunuity errors then any other movie ever lol. I mean isnt he looking through a lense in this one when he calls her? And the seasons are different I think too?

Can someone explain in detail this for me?! Is it the same convo as bourne 2 or is it a different one were they are talking code this time?

If you're referring to the conversation between Jason Bourne and Pamela Landy, it's the same conversation in Supremacy. I think the reason from the convo in Supremacy is used for possibly "open ended" ending of that movie, leaving the possibility of a sequel coming. IMO.

[veddhead83]

Originally posted by ToiletBug
But is it really the same conversation as Supremacy?? The Conversation only happens once and the stories are intertwined? Im not sure if this makes sense though because I believe if it does there are more contiunuity errors then any other movie ever lol. I mean isnt he looking through a lense in this one when he calls her? And the seasons are different I think too?

Can someone explain in detail this for me?! Is it the same convo as bourne 2 or is it a different one were they are talking code this time? Yes it is...there aren't any glaring erros in this. The only thing that mainly changes is that in Ultimatum, they pan back and you see Strathairns character. The seasons are the same, winter. I watched the end of Supremacy right after Ultimatum to clarify, and it is in fact true.

#3 takes place in between Bourne talking to the Russian chick and arriving in NYC, and then continues from that point forward.

[MadsenOMC]

Exactly what I hoped it would be, nothing more or less. I wanted a fun summer movie and that is exactly what I got. So far, I have been extremely disappointed with summer movies, especially from mid-June until now. The action sequences in this are spectacular. Intense and extraordinarily well-staged. The shaky cam bothered me a little in the last one but overall I didn't think this one was too excessive with it. The story is serviceable and the cast is good. I like this trilogy a lot and this is a solid entry. I don't think I'll ever buy it and maybe I'll never even see it again, but it's a great summer flick.

7/10

[Bourne101]

The Bourne Ultimatum - 9/10

Wow! I was expecting it to be good, but not that good. I thought The Bourne Identity was good, and The Bourne Supremacy was better, but this just blows both of them out of the water. No question about it, the best in the series. You don't get to breathe for a second. Non-stop action, intensity and violence. The performances were all very good, and the directing was great as well. The shaky cam didn't really bother me, although it was the shakiest of all the Bourne's. Overall, a great action film that has brains and the ending is fantastic and sets it up for another if the filmmakers would like.

BOURNE VS. DESH = SICK FUCKING FIGHT!!!!

[bigred760]

Originally posted by JasonBourne
If you're referring to the conversation between Jason Bourne and Pamela Landy, it's the same conversation in Supremacy. I think the reason from the convo in Supremacy is used for possibly "open ended" ending of that movie, leaving the possibility of a sequel coming. IMO.


POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!

But it gives the ending to the second some depth now; that ending doesn't take place immediately after his meeting with the girl, but three years (and six weeks) later. There was a reason by Landy's tone of voice and we now know that Bourne was setting her, and the rest of the CIA listening in, up.

I loved that.

[Strider]

The Bourne Ultimatum - 8/10 or ****/***** stars

Matt Damon reprises his role as Jason Bourne, the tormented, hunted, amnesia-ridden killing machine, in The Bourne Ultimatum, the third and possibly final installment in the thinking-person's action/thriller series. Director Paul Greengrass, who also helmed The Bourne Supremacy, elevates the intensity and suspense to a higher level, especially in the terrifically filmed action sequences, which includes one of the best one-on-one, hand-to-hand fight scenes ever put on film. As far as the Bourne franchise is concerned, Damon has made it clear that he is through playing Bourne and feels a fourth Bourne film would be unnecessary. Perhaps Damon will change his mind after a few years. Over the course of an entire trilogy, Damon has delivered three great performances - full of seriousness, pain, and desperation - as the title character. If The Bourne Ultimatum truly marks the end of the series, then, thanks to Greengrass' skillful direction, this is the series' finest film.

Strider

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
Is it out in america then?


Whats Paddy like in it?

[Sh8dy Milkman]

Loved it 9/10

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
Is it out in america then?


Whats Paddy like in it?

His is a very small role. His character kind of gets the ball rolling for Jason Bourne and what he does through the rest of the movie.

[DaMovieMan]

Excellent action movie. Bourne rules.

8/10

Identity: 7/10
Supremacy: 8/10


DMM

[Badbird]

Originally posted by FatSakHead
Question to those that have seen it: Does the movie feature the same Moby song in its end credits as the previous two did?

It's a new remix, thankfully.

I'm a bit surprised by the comments here. I enjoyed the movie, but felt it was easily the weakest of the three.

It simply didn't have the heart and drama that the first two had. I honestly had no interest in "how it all began" or "who started it all."

The action scenes were great and I felt that his adversaries where more dangerous than ever. Greengrass' shakey-cam never really bothered me much, though I can see why some people complain. I mean, does a conversation between two people at a table really need shakey cam? But it wasn't nearly as bad as JJ Abrahms' MI3 shakey cam.

I just didn't feel anything. The first one was about finding out who he was. The second one was about getting revenge on Marie's killers. The third one was about... something. CIA run amok? Blackbriar? Where it all began? It was unfocused and clearly showed that they started filming without a finished screenplay and were aimless a lot of times.

I didn't like at all how they shoehorned the end of Supremacy into this movie. It felt really forced. If anything I feel it hurts the second movie more than helps the third movie. Clearly that was not what they had in mind when they originally filmed it.

And about the ending:

SPOILERS
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What was the big deal? I thought it was obvious he had volunteered for it. He's a freaking CIA op. Was that supposed to be some big revelation? All in all it was very anticlimactic.

Identity - 8/10
Supremacy - 10/10
Ultimatum - 7/10

[Lemmywinks]

Originally posted by Badbird

And about the ending:

SPOILERS
SPOILERS
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What was the big deal? I thought it was obvious he had volunteered for it. He's a freaking CIA op. Was that supposed to be some big revelation? All in all it was very anticlimactic.

I was expecting that he was some genetically engineered asassin or something. When it turns out that he is just an assasin with some crazy training who volunteered......it does remove some of the depth of the series. It wasn't a shocker at all. I was expecting a twist or something. The twist about Julia Stiles being his girlfriend before he got amnesia was cool though.

Also didn't like how 3/4 the way through, we are back to where Supremacy ended. I mean, it's really not that big of a deal, but I just felt a little bit blindsided.

[dannywalker17]

Originally posted by Lemmywinks
Also didn't like how 3/4 the way through, we are back to where Supremacy ended. I mean, it's really not that big of a deal, but I just felt a little bit blindsided.

I really liked that aspect of it. At the end of Supremecy, you thought it was just this one way thing, but it turns out to be much more complicated.

Kickass movie and a great way to end the trilogy. I think Supremecy had a slightly better plot involving Brian Cox's character, but Ultimatum really brought everything full-circle.

8/10 or A-

The Bourne Identity (7/10 or B)
The Bourne Supremecy (8/10 or A-)
The Bourne Ultimatum (8/10 or A-)

[scarp]

It was really great. Fuuun, action packed and not dumb. Matt woho.
These films have all been so good. Good Times.

All of them have been 4/5 for me, think I like the new one the most and that it would deserve a 9/10 rating. I mean they didn't blow me away like films that I want to give my speciell 5/5 to but still - you can't ask for much more in this genre so...

[CuatroDiablos]

10/10 ......this movie was everything I wanted from a summer movie , smart , action packed ...edge of your seat. The shaky cam did not bother me at all . it made it better IMO ...I hope a 4th Jason Bourne movie is made.

Mat Damon deserves an Oscar IMO..

[gyro_44]

This movie was pure adrenaline from beginning to end, it literally moved like a bullet. Some of those chases were great (jumping from window to window, and that last car chase, which in my opinion blew the one in Supremacy out of the water), and while the story is still fairly simple, the character is compelling. And holy shit is this a fantastic cast.

The movie rocked. Paul Greengrass has pretty much upped the ante for cool techno spy thrillers in my opinion. Easily the best action movie of the year.

9/10

[Superplasmatron]

I'd say It's another solid film and I was not expecting anything else, aside from the wierd 5/10 revue i read on here, I had heard nothing but praise for this film, This is the first trilogy I've seen in the cinema(on the orginal release) since the back to the future and unlike back to the future this one was better than the first, I love this film.

[Monotreme]

http://eur.i1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/yahoo_manual/20070328/10/4067747690.jpg

(Paul Greengrass, 2007)

Finally, after a summer filled to the brim with disappointing “three-quels to various franchises, we are treated with one that not only lives up to its two previous predecessors, but indeed surpasses them. It is not rare that second installments surpass the original: The Empire Strikes Back, T2, Spider-Man 2 – and there are plenty of other examples. But it is quite uncommon that a third installment surpasses the first two. In fact, aside from Return of the King, I can’t even think of any other examples. Suffice it to say, though, that Greengrass and crew more than deliver the goods on the third Bourne film, and provide us with what may be the best film of the summer and one of the strongest action-thrillers since, well, The Bourne Supremacy.

It is fairly simple to put a finger on just what makes this movie in particular and the Bourne trilogy as a whole such superior action films. Just compare The Bourne Ultimatum to another summer action-vigilante extravaganza, Live Free or Die Hard. While the filmmakers clearly had a blast making the latter film, it must be taken with a grain of salt and requires quite a lot of suspension of disbelief. And indeed, most of the stunts, action scenes, concepts and characters in that film are so incredibly unbelievable they are borderline parody. But the Bourne movies have this relentless knack of keeping it real – real-world settings, great attention to detail and protocol, on-set action and car chases, and just an overall realistic and totally believable feel to them. Indeed, it is this ultra-realistic, totally believable aspect and tone that makes me appreciate the Bourne series far more than other spy franchises such as Mission: Impossible, Jack Ryan, and, dare I say it – James Bond.

But that’s not all that makes the Bourne films unique and sets them apart from most of the other movies in its genre. In most action-adventure films, the sides are very clear and present: The main character is the hero and operates solely for the side of good, while the villains are also clearly outlined. But in the Bourne films, these relations are far less black-and-white. Jason Bourne himself is clearly the protagonist, but obviously doesn’t operate for the “greater good”. He’s on a personal crusade, seeking revenge and information, and on the way, breaks all sorts of laws and rules and kills whoever stands in his path. On the other hand, all the various CIA operatives working to catch him, it could be said, are just doing their job. We don’t have any super villain masterminds; we just have a bunch of men and women doing their job trying to catch someone who clearly is dangerous and a threat. It is these ambivalent and conflicting motives of the films’ characters that make them such a treat to watch.

Specifically on Ultimatum, Paul Greengrass and all the technical crew do a stellar job of creating the Bourne world and relaying the realism and believability of the story. Greengrass again utilizes his hyper-realistic documentary style of filmmaking that featured in all his previous films, most recently United 93. It’s disorienting and confusing, but the style serves the film’s purposes perfectly. It is also absolutely wonderful to see an action-thriller movie that prominently features on-set, practical stunts and effects, as opposed to using lots of CGI to tweak up the action and to make things easier. And what action sequences this film has! From the first scene Bourne grabs you, and we the audience literally run through the movie right along with him. It’s just fascinating to see how Bourne’s mind works; how he thinks on the spot, always sees the broader picture, and of course does his fair share of close hand-to-hand combat – those scenes in particular are breathtakingly well choreographed. It is also worth mentioning the insane chase sequences, both on foot and in vehicle, and I’m particularly glad that the film’s advertising didn’t give too much away of the film’s grand finale car chase, which is one of the most thrilling and outstanding action sequences I’ve seen lately.

One can’t review this film without mentioning the cast. In all of its installments the Bourne series was blessed with some fantastic supporting character talent – in the first film we had Chris Cooper and Brian Cox both deliver outstanding work. The Bourne Supremacy added the unexpected but more-than-welcome casting of Joan Allen, one of the most underrated actresses working today. And in this film, we are introduced to characters played by David Strathairn and Albert Finney, with Strathairn in particular delivering absolutely stellar work. But the true star and the one who ties it all together is, of course, Matt Damon. Damon is an actor I have grown to appreciate more and more in recent years, and especially in light of last year’s release of The Departed, I am very surprised that Damon only has one acting Oscar nomination. His work on the Bourne films is far subtler as his character does a lot more running and fighting than he does talking. But Damon succeeds in doing what most A-list actors fail to do: He disappears into the character. During most of the film, I forgot that I was watching Matt Damon because I was so engrossed in the action and into his character. This level of disappearance is one that actors such as Tom Cruise are simply unable to do. And for that, I commemorate Damon all the more. Julia Stiles, on the other hand, doesn’t deliver a bad performance per se, but one would think that a more established or talented actress would be able to do much more with the character than she does. Still, she’s not a burden nor a distraction like Katie Holmes in Batman Begins, so her casting is more than forgiveable.

Director Greengrass, his crew, Damon and the rest of the cast do an absolutely magnificent job on this film: The story is delivered outstandingly, the action is directed to perfection, and just the whole overall tone and energy of the film is pitch-perfect. Also worth mentioning is composer John Powell, whose percussion-based score more than enhances the pace and adrenaline of the film. In the end, everything comes together to create a brilliant, well-executed and just pitch-perfect action-thriller spy film, and the success and quality of this third installment in the Bourne series undoubtedly seals the trilogy’s fate as one of the strongest, unfailing film trilogies in recent years, and probably the best action-thriller movies since the 60’s and 70’s films like The French Connection or Bullitt.

RATING: 8/10.

[Danger^Cart]

Originally posted by gyro_44
that last car chase, which in my opinion blew the one in Supremacy out of the water

Since I consider the chase in Supremacy to be the best thing done in cars, like, ever...I really need to see this film.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by Danger^Cart
Since I consider the chase in Supremacy to be the best thing done in cars, like, ever...I really need to see this film.


I wonder how many times Bourne would have died through out the car chases in the films, if they were actually real.

[The Poonchy]

this series started off amazingly, somehow, almost impossibly, got better, and then ended even better. the bourne ultimatum is the best film in the trilogy, hands down. i seriously didn't think there would ever be a better spy film than the bourne supremacy, and paul greengrass and co. proved me wrong. my only complaint: the lack of closure julia stiles's character gets--especially after getting a much juicier role in this film compared to the first two.

non-complaints: the best action sequence of the series, and of this year: bourne vs. desh. the first half of the movie taking place in between the last two scenes of supremacy. sticking with moby's "extreme ways" the whole series. it may sound dumb but i love they kept that theme going with all three movies. it really makes me enjoy these all the more.

i want so bad to give this film a 10, but i must be bias against spy films or something. there is nothing to complain about, really, in these films. they're the best spy films ever.

9/10

[pg13myass]

I only saw the first one and I loved it! Never gotten the chance to see the second one, although, I have seen snippets here and there and I definitely think it looks just as impressive as the first. The trailers for the third definitely have me going! But, the fight clip involving a book instantly convinced me to see it ASAP!!! Most intense fight sequences I've seen in a while! I'm glad to see the fight look realistic and gritty! I'm a bit tired of the typical HK fight choreography. It looks stylish, yes, but, it has grown stale and I haven't seen anyone do something more with it. I got my answer in the form of the Bourne trilogy!

Either way, if I don't catch this in a theater, I'm so there when the boxed set comes out!

[fabxxx]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!

Best of the trilogy!... every good review here covered everything that's great about this movie. It deserves every single penny in the Box Office and I hope we get a 4th installment.

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When the last scene of Supremacy shows up at 3/4 of Ultimatum my mind went bonkers!!! That was one of the cleverest things I've seen in awhile (plotwise) in any movie!!! It makes you think Ultimatum was all planned when Supremacy was writen!!!

The revelation of Nick being Jason's ex-girlfriend was cool as well

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9.5/10 - I took 0.5 because the shaky cam during dialogs was a little distracting.

[Country1969]

Saw this movie last weekend. I really enjoy that series. Non-stop action right from the beginning. It felt like my heart was in overdrive when I left the movies.

[Scorpio24]

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!


What a trilogy.

This is by far my favourite of the Bourne series. BY FAR!!!

From the very first minute when we follow Bounre trying to escape Russia with the police on his tracks you are gripped and taken on a ride that won't let you go.

Once again the locations used are stunning. The technology side of things is intruiging and believable. And most importnantly the cast as a whole delivers individulay and collectively.

Throughout this trilogy the cast has been brilliant. I agre 100% agree with Monotreme - It doesn't feel like you're watching Damon it feels like you're watching Bourne.

My favourite scene in the whole film was when he was trying to get the journalist out of Waterloo Station. That really was stunning. I have heard that they were refused permission to have the station for themsleves to shoot that scene and that they just went ahead and shot it in the middle of the day without telling anyone. Anyone know if this is true?

I loved the tie in with the end of Supremacy also. At first I was wondering what the hell was going on. I hope that was all planned. If not it's still great film making.

I also very much enjopyed the scene's between Styles and Damon. It give their relationship alot more depth. ALthough I have to say looking back at Identity when I got home last night it does take away from the original film as she doesn't have to much feelings for him then.

Funny thing is I couldn't make up my mind what was my favourite out of the first two films. Then when I got home and watched Identity it didn't seem to be anywhere near the level of the other two. I may have just been still on a Ultimatum high.

All in all a very satisfying trilogy and ending in great style. I really hope that is the end now because I would hate to see this great series deluted by sub standard follow ups.



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[SoundXscape]

Saw the Bourne Ultimatum last weekend and was it ever excellent! Thumbs way up!

[Danger^Cart]

This movie rocked my sack. Hard.

[Worthystevens]

Just watched this movie. 10 out of 10 fucking stars; the hype didn't let me down. Thumbs up to Damon and Joan Allen; Landy's my favorite character after Bourne.

Great entertainment, great movie, great trilogy.

[PR0J3KT M]

9/10..i had to adjust to the shaky cam in the beginning.

[PR0J3KT M]

o ya..i dont know if you guys have heard of the series "john rain" by barry eisler..but they need to make that into movie too..exactly like bourne.

[Tuukka]

Finally saw this. Great movie.

And the thing is, I didn't really care that much for the first two. Sure, they are well made in every way, but I just never felt connected to Bourne and his struggles. Maybe the films simply weren't character driven enough for me to really be emotionally involved, and yet there wasn't quite enough action to take them simply as escapist fun. I don't know really. I thought they were pretty good, but nothing more than that.

But with this one I had a blast.

It's easily the most action packed entry in the series, and maybe that made the difference. Sure, the shaky cam was a minor annoyance sometimes, but it didn't really matter for an important reason:

The action set pieces in this film are extremely well written and staged. And I just adore a good action set piece. I would go so far as to say that the Waterloo Railway Station is the best action/suspense set piece I've seen all year. Amazing stuff.

And the rest of the action ranged from good to great as well, with the car chase being highly impressive.

Sure, the story is in many ways just a fairly thin excuse to put together a string of set pieces... But who cares, when they are this good?

And while the story wasn't particularly ambitious or complex, it worked very well and I enjoyed the quieter character moments. Acting was excellent all around, as expected from this series. And special kudos of course go to Damon, who really is a very impressive action star.

Interestingly, for the first time I actually did care for Bourne. Maybe because the film had me so hooked from the beginning. The final revelations might have been predictable, but they were very satisfying emotionally, and gave a great conclusion to the trilogy.

And the final scene is a killer - the TV voiceover intercut with other events. And the final shot of the film is stunning, entering straight into the hall of fame of classic movie ending shots. Sure, it's very simple... But it's just so awesomely fucking cool.

After such a satisfying ending, I'm hoping that they won't do another Bourne film.

This film moved like a bullet, from one awesome moment of nail-biting coolness to the next. This will be in my top 10 for 2007, and it's the best "event" movie I've seen all year.

8/10