Review of Jason Bourne (2016) by Mike D — 27 Aug 2016

In the fifth installment of the 'Bourne' series since 2001's 'The Bourne Identity,' Matt Damon reprises his role as the title character from Robert Ludlum's esteemed novels. Once again helmed by director Paul Greengrass, 'Jason Bourne' is not the best entry in the lot, but it shines in a number of areas.

In all but ignoring the fact that 2012's 'The Bourne Legacy' ever happened, 'Bourne' follows the renegade CIA agent as he tries to further untangle the origin of his entry into the agency, including the mystery revolving around his father's demise. We get to see the reunion between Bourne and Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles), as well as how the CIA schemes to finally bring in the fugitive. Tommy Lee Jones does a respectable job as the director of the agency, but Alicia Vikander really impresses as the agent tasked with leading the anti-Bourne charge.

Aside from strong acting performances, 'Bourne' is once again buoyed by a real sense of globetrotting, including hopping from locations from London to Berlin and, of course, Las Vegas. And it wouldn't be a Bourne film if there wasn't a car chase...or two...or three. Fortunately, the action sequences are all done very well, although they are not as good as those in 'The Bourne Supremacy.' As for the plot, however, it's not the strongest we've seen. Despite the fact that we learn a little bit more about Bourne's backstory each time, by this point, we've learned so much that it's hard to say where the story could possibly go from here.

'Jason Bourne' is a worthy follow-up to its predecessors, but it isn't the best. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.