Review of The Bourne Legacy (2012) by Dipa S — 11 Jun 2013

When I saw criticisms that Legacy was too much talking, not enough action, I dismissed it. I don't having anything against talking. In fact, I held some hopes that it would be a bit more... intelligent? than other spy movies. No such luck.

I wouldn't say that it was too much talking. More like too much nothing. Asked to sum up the movie, I'd have to say it was mostly people going somewhere. The talk was not even interesting talk. The action was not especially riveting action. It was really a whole two hours of exposition. Truly. Once, when I checked how much of the movie was left, I was shocked to realize I was two-thirds of the way through. I felt sure that the movie had just started. Really, the movie didn't start until the last... oh, fifth or so.

Plus, the whole motivation for the trip in the first place didn't seem very... motivating. Cross came across more like a drug addict than a secret agent whatever. And I really don't see Renner being brilliant. I see Renner doing what he always does. Trying mostly to be quiet and look tough and convincing and whatever. It's the same thing he's done ever other time I've seen him, except that he actually plays a speaking part here. And looking is not acting.