Sunday, July 31, 2016

Jason Bourne

Movie Name: Jason Bourne
Year of Release: 2016

Director: Paul Greengrass

Stars: Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Julia Stiles, Riz Ahmed, Ato Essandoh, Scott Shepherd, Bill Camp, Vinzenz Kiefer

Genre: Thriller, Action

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6
Trailer

Synopsis:

Following his awarded "Captain Phillips", director Paul Greengrass is back to his most successful franchise, as the director who elevated Robert Ludlum's character, Jason Bourne, to higher levels of popularity. The film introduces us to a new conspiracy. This time around, the runaway Nicky Parsons is the person who brings Bourne out of his hideout (this following the events that took place in "The Bourne Ultimatum"). She discovers more covert operations, including some that tie back to Bourne's past, something he is unaware of. This sets of Bourne on his pursuit for the truth and in the process he becomes the target of some very resilient figures of power, who will stop at nothing to silence him.
Paul Greengrass is a talented director, with many talents, amongst which is his capability of bringing a level of authenticity and realism to how he shoots and captures the events of a film. There's a grittiness and a level of verisimilitude that has become his trademark, something that "Jason Bourne" again brings forth. Sadly though, the film for all its impeccable competence and engaging action set pieces, asks the question - if Jason Bourne does indeed remember everything, why does he need to be "flushed out" and follow another power hungry opponent in order to get the closure he needs. If the character is indeed admired and cherished by the audiences, why not give him something to do beyond what lies in his past? The film in itself is another example of a well oiled production machine, but even Matt Damon's performance is starting to feel tired and devoid of interest. This is one franchise that needs to push the characters forward, if it indeed plans on continuing - look at what "Mission: Impossible" has done, and learn the lesson.