Bourne in the USA (And Abroad)
Bourne Ultimatum
Review by Ross Anthony

Having quite enjoyed Bourne Identity and slightly less so Bourne Supremacy, I rushed into the screening of "Bourne Ultimatum" after fighting through LA traffic. Jason Bourne picked up that rush and ran with it for the rest of the film. Like the other two, Ultimatum has little problem working up a frantic pace and maintaining it throughout. However, Ultimatum has other problems that make it the least effective Bourne.

Though both are played by fine actors, the bickering between CIA shot-callers in the offices stateside becomes tiresome and repetitive. While the chase scenes remain rather impressive, the one in Tangier goes far too long. Audiences may become a bit distracted and start to pay more attention to its ridiculousness. That said, that chase culminates in a hand-to-hand fight sequence that rushes with adrenaline and prompted some applause from this group of industry professionals.

A series of three individual "buddies" partner up with Jason at various times for different reasons, but none of them carry any weight, leaving the film feeling rather hollow. Furthering that hollow feeling, the pay off at climax time feels truncated. Only a small bone of information is given, and that info is repeated inexplicably.

Overall, some great action sequences (created the old-fashioned way) play powerfully, a good strong pace (save for a few rough spots), but a less smart, less full, and even less believable film than its predecessors.

-- Book Contest --


  • Bourne Ultimatum. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Romeriz, Joan Allen, Albert Finney.
  • Directed by Paul Greengrass.
  • Screenplay by Tony Gilroy, Scott Z. Burns, George Nolfi. Based on the novel by Robert Ludlum.
  • Produced by Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Paul L. Sandberg at Universal/MP Beta/Ludlum.

Grade..........................B- (1.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Wednesday, 01-Aug-2007 20:20:29 PDT