With the opening of The Bourne Legacy just a few weeks away, I figured I would rewatch these classic spy/action movies in Blu-ray. When each of these movies came out, I doubted if Matt Damon could carry the action. Damon still doesn’t seem like an action-hero to me. But, each time in each movie, Matt Damon won me over. I prefer the second two movies over the first, but all of them are extremely well-crafted spy thrillers. There’s a little of the Robert Ludlum book in The Bourne Identity and about zero in the next two films. No matter. Matt Damon will have you on the edge of your seat. GRADE: A
Damon never disappoints.
I was lukewarm on Matt Damon early in his career, Patti. He was an unlikely action hero, but the BOURNE trilogy turned out to be the perfect vehicle for Damon.
I agree, George. I thought he was odd casting but Damon totally got it done. And you can’t go wrong with Paris and the other European locations.
I’m eager to see if the BOURNE franchise can be jump-started with THE BOURNE LEGACY, Jeff.
I find Ludlum’s novels laughable, but the Bourne films are immensely entertaining. Damon is indeed much better than you expect, and both Liman and Greengrass are talented filmmakers.
It’ll be interesting to see how the new one compares. Tony Gilroy, who had a hand in writing the first three, is in the director’s chair.
The Ludlum novels, other than the titles, play virtually no role in movies, Drongo. The BOURNE trilogy is a stylish and intelligent set of action movies. I’m hoping THE BOURNE LEGACY follows in their tradition.
I’m with you on this George, much preferring the sequels, especially the cleverness with which the third film unexpectedly dovetails into the second, which really took me by surprise.
Exactly, Sergio! When I watched these three movies one-after-another, the clever plotting revealed itself.
George, I hope you have a happy Independence Day tomorrow, and can enjoy some traditional 4th of July food.
If fruit salad and roast beef qualify as 4th of July fare, Then Rehab is in the groove, Rick. Not a hamburger or hot dog in sight.
I’ve tried to watch the first one three times and I can’t get past the headache-inducing “shaky-cam” filming. This isn’t a problem for anyone else?
I’m with you on that shaky-camera technique, Rick. Fortunately, there isn’t much of that in the next two movies.
I love all three of these films, and I got the British blu-ray set before the American one was available. Matt Damon has that ‘boy next door’ look that makes his performance in these films all the more surprising.
I’ve seen the trailer for the new one, and it looks pretty good.
You’re right about the trailer to THE BOURNE LEGACY being intriguing, Stan.