Review of The Bourne Supremacy (2004) by Dan F — 18 Feb 2013

"They came for me and they killed her." This quote sums up Jason Bourne's motive for The Bourne Supremacy. This movie keeps the viewer engaged right from the start. Jason Bourne is constantly figuring out his next move, eluding police officers, or in pursuit of collecting intelligence on the people who are after him. Between plot twists, chase scenes, and careful thinking, The Bourne Supremacy keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and keeps them always wondering what might come next. The Bourne Supremacy brings action and adventure back into the genre of action/adventure movies.

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is a former CIA assassin who is suffering from amnesia. His last mission didn't go according to plan, and after successfully eluding the CIA in The Bourne Identity, the prequel, Bourne is trying to figure out why the CIA is still after him. He is not aware he was framed for killing two people, agents of Pamela Landy, and stealing important documents in The Bourne Supremacy. After having a run-in with an assassin in India in the beginning of The Bourne Supremacy, Bourne feels it is necessary to put an end to everybody chasing him.

Matt Damon plays his role masterfully by being extremely violent in some action scenes and also by showing he is human. This is relevant when he sits down with the Neski's daughter at the end of The Bourne Supremacy. However, there is a slight change in his character from the prequel. Bourne was almost exclusively trying to figure out who he was and what his past consisted of in The Bourne Identity, and in the sequel, he just wants to know why the CIA is after him. Bourne, knowing his motive, plays a gloomier, more mysterious role. Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) is flawless in her performance. She doesn't care what anyone else thinks or says about some situations. She is a little oblivious to Bourne's past but will do whatever it takes to find him. Landy's relentlessness to capture Bourne leads to many suspenseful moments.

The action scenes, whether it is a car chase or hand-to-hand combat, are really well put together. Some viewers might get fed up with the shaking and erratic camera, but I think it adds to the overall drama and intensity of the scene. The two major highlights are the opening chase scene, and Bourne's run-in with the only remaining Treadstone agent.

At points in this movie, the audience could forget why Bourne is doing what he is doing or even why he is doing it. They have to accept that sometimes the characters make decisions based on no reasons at all. Almost all decisions can be figured out, but a few can be unclear. There are many scenes with Bourne driving a car or riding the train. Constantly seeing scenes like this can get boring, but it's made up by the incredible action scenes.

The Bourne Supremacy has action, great acting, and a well-thought out plot if followed closely. Damon is truly at his best and the supporting cast is just as good. It draws the viewer in right from the start and always keeps him or her wondering what might happen next. This movie is definitely worth the viewer's time, but will Bourne's luck continue? This is addressed in the next movie, The Bourne Ultimatum.