The Bourne Ultimatum

The 2007 “Summer of Sequels” produced more hyperbole than genuinely entertaining movies, but this third entry in the series based on Robert Ludlum's bestselling spy novels was one of the few films that really paid off. Matt Damon is back as Jason Bourne, the anguished amnesiac CIA assassin who kicks butts from London to Tangiers to New York while ferreting out clues to his real identity. Back for this go-round are Joan Allen as the relentless operative assigned to track down this rogue agent, and Julia Stiles as the sympathetic analyst simultaneously attracted to and repulsed by Bourne. New to the mix in The Bourne Ultimatum are David Strathairn, characteristically excellent as a duplicitous CIA desk jockey, and Albert Finney, whose Mengele-like doctor might have been responsible for turning Bourne into a soulless killing machine. Director Paul Greengrass stages and edits the action sequences in close, quick takes that sometimes defy comprehension, but he also invests the film with breathless urgency and visceral impact—and he actually uses stunt men, rather than CGI tricks, to accomplish some of Bourne's most memorable, death-defying feats. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Paul Greengrass, a 24-minute “Man on the Move: Jason Bourne” location featurette, 13 minutes of deleted scenes, an 11-minute “New York Chase” segment on chase sequences, a “Rooftop Pursuit” scene-specific featurette (6 min.), a five-minute “Planning the Punches” featurette on fight scenes (5 min.), four minutes of “Driving School” training with star Matt Damon, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for one of 2007's best thrillers.] (E. Hulse)