In the next chapter of the Bourne series created by Robert Ludlum, Tony Gilroy (writer of the original trilogy) directs Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross, one of a handful of agents in a program called Outcome, an organization that trains agents both physically and behaviorally for long term missions rather than quick assassinations like Treadstone. After confirmed sightings of Jason Bourne and the fact that Treadstone might be fully exposed along with other projects, Colonel Eric Byer (Edward Norton), the director of NRAG (National Research Assay Group), is forced to do some damage control by eliminating Outcome and everyone involved. During the extermination process, Aaron cross saves Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), who tests the Outcome agents regularly, so that he can get his dosage of pills before his body starts to get effected. Together, the two run off on a global cat and mouse chase with the only advantage being a head start.
I know you’re dying to know so I’ll get right to it. Is The Bourne Legacy better than any of the three starring Matt Damon? No. Is it entertaining? Sure, as far as action film goes it’s hard for a Bourne film to fail on this front. The series is based on super soldiers so you know you’re in for something good. How was Renner? He held his own and was able to create a character of his that was much different than Jason Bourne which was nice. Were the fights as epic as the ones from the original trilogy? Not necessarily but I can say with complete confidence that The Bourne Legacy has one of the most badass motorcycle chase scenes I’ve ever seen with a fantastic and applaud worthy ending to said chase.
While entertaining, the story that drives The Bourne Legacy is not nearly as interesting. In the first three our curiosity is driven by a conspiracy to get rid of Bourne and prevent him from remembering his past whereas this one is about a guy trying to survive a governmental wipe of the entire Outcome program. There are some similarities but this film was much less engaging for the mind and the whole espionage aspect didn’t feel as intricate or exciting. Furthermore, the villains didn’t seem as ruthless as I would have liked, they just seemed like people forced to do a job they didn’t want to do which is a significant change. As a standalone film, it’s the lack of mystery and suspense that puts this film in the mediocre action category, somewhat fun but likely to be forgettable. Despite that though, Gilroy did do a great job of tying the films together, making a solid transition to Cro
ss and making sure to connect and explain how all the tiny dots of the Bourne universe fit together. SEMI-SPOILER I actually wouldn’t be against another Bourne film and would love to see if they could bring the two characters together. END SPOILER.
I mentioned earlier that the fighting scenes weren’t the best. I’d like to clarify that the kills were ‘effing ridiculous and extremely rewarding; it’s just that there usually wasn’t a struggle which is why it lacked a certain amount of intensity. Additionally, like every movie the lead has a difficult boss to face and Legacy is no exception. I won’t spoil the major battle but let’s just say the two toughest guys in the film don’t go at it in hand to hand combat making the result rather anti-climatic; it’ll remind you of the final fight between Bane and Batman in The Dark Knight Rises.
In the end, The Bourne Legacy is a descent action film that’s good enough to continue the franchise and entertain people but doesn’t live up to the awesomeness and intelligence of the original trilogy. The acting is commendable, the score will keep your heartbeat elevated and there are moments throughout the film where the crowd will go wild but, again, this is essentially a cash cow action film that will hopefully evolve into something much more sophisticated, intense and exciting once they realize what they did wrong with this one.
Rating: Enough to keep the Bourne series alive and well but there is room for some serious improvement (6/10)
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