Rating: 
Summary: superficial spy flick
Review: **1/2 What exactly is it that determines the moral code by which a person lives? And can the very same person be a cold-blooded murderer in one incarnation, then become a virtual humanitarian when all memory of that previous life somehow gets wiped away? These provocative questions are raised, though never adequately explored, in `The Bourne Identity,' a fairly standard man-on-the-run spy thriller based on the best selling novel by Robert Ludlum. Written by Tony Gilroy and directed by Doug Liman, `The Bourne Identity' tells the story of Jason Bourne, a CIA hit man who has been suffering from amnesia ever since his bullet-riddled body was plucked floating out of the Mediterranean Sea. Initially unaware of his secret agent status, Jason - together with Marie, a young woman he picks up in Switzerland and hires to drive him to Paris - tries to piece together the clues to his identity and purpose. Essentially we are back in old Hitchcock territory, where the story's hero is being chased by all sorts of nefarious figures even though he himself has not a clue as to who these people are or why it is they are so anxious to put an end to him.`The Bourne Identity' might have been a more interesting film had it attempted to explore some of the more subtle implications of its morality play situation. Instead, the filmmakers concentrate almost exclusively on the superficial aspects of its spy thriller premise. There are brief flashes where Jason ponders the deeper issues of a troubled conscience, but they are quickly thrown over for the usual cat-and-mouse accoutrements of this odd-man-out scenario. And, frankly, despite the novelty of the Paris setting and some impressive stunt and action scenes scattered along the way, nothing in the film really much engages the audience's sympathy or interest. Matt Damon does a solid job conveying the underlying sweetness of Bourne's character, but nothing in his demeanor or behavior can convince us that he is a government-generated killing machine. What's missing from this story is any attempt to show how this character, whom we have come to view as compassionate and loving, could ever have done the things he is said to have done. That analysis would have lent the film that extra bit of depth it so sorely lacks in its current form. The film is at its most interesting when it shows how Bourne, because he is himself a product of CIA training, can use the very tools his mentors gave him to stay one step ahead of his pursuers and even outwit the professionals at their own game. The film features a relatively impressive car chase through the streets of Paris (though it pales in comparison to the ones in `Ronin'). But I can't believe that filmmakers are STILL using that old standby - the one where some workers just happen to be transporting a piece of glass across the street just so the careening cars can come crashing through it. I thought that one had been put to rest, finally and irrevocably, 30 years ago in `What's Up, Doc?'
Rating: 
Summary: Bourne keeps getting better
Review: He was shot twice in the back and fished out of European waters. He has no identity, no memory. He has survival skills the average man shouldn't have. Someone wants him dead. With the help of a beautiful woman (naturally), the man is on a hunt for his identity, his past and his life. Does he really want to know the truth, or is he better off not remembering? This is the 2nd movie made from Robert Ludlum's 1980 novel. The first, a TV movie starring Richard Chamberlain and Jacquelyn Smith, was more exact to the novel because of its closer release to the book. This updated version of The Bourne Identity certainly takes Mr. Ludlum's work to a new level. Certainly the film has been modernized to display, for example, the computer technology that we have today. Matt Damon IS Jason Bourne. This is the first real action type of role for Damon. He never fails to blow me away with the best performance he can possibly give. Thank you, Matt.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and well acted spy thriller
Review: While sitting through the Bourne Identity I was surpised that was actually sort of bored and sleepy at times, that was in the movies though. Watching it at home I loved it, liked it a lot more than I originally did. So much that I had to change my review from 3 to 4. Matt Damon and Franka Potente chemestry is excellent, love the fact that eventhough her life is in danger because of him she refuses to leave his side. Franka Potente has an admireable sweetness to her, haven't seen her before but think she's going places as she can act plus the camera loves her. Julia Styles (Save the Last Dance), sort of has a useless part though as she has nothing to really do at all but make a small appearence here and there. I liked the Bourne Identity, it could of used more of a plot but it's still very good. Infact it's much better than XXX, I'd rush to see another Jason Bourne movie before I would to see XXX 2. Matt Damon is in top form as is Chrs Cooper as his former boss who wants him dead. Always thought Damon would make the perfect Daredevil but oh well his buddy Ben Afflick got that part. At least Damon has Jason Bourne and I I can't wait to see more of him in this role as he does it so good.
Rating:
Summary: Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours
Review: The purpose of the spy-thriller genre is for us to take vicarious pleasure in the exploits of a super-competent human being facing seemingly insurmountable odds. The Bourne Identity strongly delivers. Matt Damon is able to convince us that he's a human killing-machine who is suddenly laboring with a conscience and the small problem of not remembering who he is. The fight scenes are great; the problem-solving skills are pretty good; and the car chase scene is quite memorable. It would be impossible to condense all the detail of Bourne's novel into a two-hour flick, but the film does a good job of capturing its spirit. The film makes good use of its European setting, taking us from Italy to Switzerland and finally to France. It was great seeing Franka Potente (Run Lola Run) make the leap to American cinema. She doesn't get to shine to her full potential -- but she's an exciting new face, and her presence adds to the international dimension of the film. (As an aside, if you are looking for an action film that isn't just another action film, "Run, Lola Run" is a lot of fun.) What the film doesn't do is push against the boundaries of its genre. It's a well-executed spy-thriller. But it's nothing more than a spy-thriller. A great way to while away a few hours -- but you won't be thinking about it much the next day.
Rating: 
Summary: What a Spy Movie is Suppose to Be
Review: This is a terrifc movie and is quite faithful to the book in it's overall perspective of the spy world. If every element from Ludlum's greatest novel were left in this would be a five hour movie. The book was that complex and jam-packed. Director Doug Liman has retained the basic feel of the book and left the heart of the story in tact. He didn't try to "Glitz it Up" because it had a big budget and a big named actor in Matt Damon, who comes into his own in this film. We see Paris and all the other countries as a background to this dark story we hope can have some kind of happy resolution as the film goes along. Franke Potente is perfect as a girl who has no real roots herself and what starts as a business proposition of a ride to safety for the cash she so desperately needs ends up in romance, even if it has to be a life on the run. Damon proves he can really act in this film and does a great job as Jason Bourne, a guy who has no idea who he is but has all the instincts of someone not quite part of everyday society. There is a scene in Paris where setting down to eat Damon frustatingly asks Marie (Potente), "What kind of guy has a Swiss bank account with a dozen passports in different names and that kind of cash-and a gun?" She tries to offer solice but then he wonders why and how he knows how many cars are on the street outside and their licence numbers, among other things. The romance that blossoms between Bourne and Marie becomes one more reason Bourne must find the answers to his identity as international assasins come after them at every turn. There is a moment in the film when he tries to make her leave him for safety because he loves her, and it is for that same reason she stays. This is a gritty movie with a heart. The action sequences as Bourne's instincts kick in are terrific and the human elements are not lost along the way which is a credit to Director Liman and the two stars, especially Damon, who can now look behind him at the pack. We are left with a good feeling at the end of this film but don't get to comfortable. There were two Bourne books that followed this one. We're not out of danger yet! That's a good thing for us. I can't wait for "The Bourne Supremecy" and maybe that's the best compliment I can pay this film.
Rating: 
Summary: "BOURNE" IS FAIR
Review: "The Bourne Identity" is an average spy thriller with great location filming in wintry Europe. The denoument is unsatisfying but up to that point there is a fairly interesting story to follow. Bourne's female sidekick is really unnecessary except to provide the film with love interest. As for Damon, he and his friend Affleck are grossly overexposed and overrated, in my humble opinion.
Rating:
Summary: The book was better, but the movies good.
Review: If you read the book, then saw this, you'll hate it. However you can't update a book like "The Bourne Identity" without changing it. That donsn't mean the movie stinks. I saw the movie, then read the book. And enjoyed them both. I saw that while the only thing the two had in commen was the bare minimum. "A man is found in the ocean, his body riddled with bulttes, his memory blank. In his hip are numbers for a bank in Zurich. Who is Jason Bourne? The truth may get him killed.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Action Movie
Review: This was a fine action movie. The fight scenes were very good although at times you could tell that the film speed was advanced in order to make it look faster. It was also a theme that has been explored before (with Jackie Chan's 'Who Am I') with some success. With all that aside it was still an enjoyable movie. A movie about assassins and the CIA. About someone's personal struggle between good and evil and about a fledgling romance and wanting to be a better person. It was also about betrayal. This is a decent way to spend a few hours. Watch it and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Matt pretty much carries the movie.
Review: Above average movie from Universal with Matt playing a man who has no memmory of who he really is, but all signs point to him having a very shameful past and now he must fight those who would end his life and take command of his own destiney with a new woman in his life. Some pretty good acting, but the action/adventure scenes are a little too long and detract from the story.
Rating:
Summary: a great movie but not as good as the book
Review: Although it does not follow the book exactly, M. Damon does a good job of playing the Bourne identity, Damon gave an impressive performance. It was realistic compared to the other movies you could see instead of this one. If you've read the Ludlum book, you will probably will notice the movie condensed the ending quite a bit. If you haven't read the Ludlm book, the producers did a good job so that you will not have missed anything.
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