Rating: Summary: I thought it was great! Review: This movie kept me on my toes. Nevering knowing when the next hitman was going to strike made the movie more interesting in my opinion. Not only was Matt Damon very real in his acting ability but he made for good eye candy. I was disappointed with the role Julia Stiles played though. She has alot of talent but this movie didn't show any of it. Over all I would definitly recommend this movie.
Rating: Summary: Not a classic, but very entertaining! Review: Those of you hoping to see a faithful adaptation of the book will be sorely disappointed. But that doesn't mean it's a bad film. The screenwriter's have taken considerable license, there's non-stop action in the film, more room for contemplation in the book, but the resulting film is entertaining. And isn't that what it's all about? My reservations are in the casting. Matt Damon is a wonderful actor, but I don't feel he was right in this role. He just doesn't look the part; not old enough, not hardened enough to play Ludlum's Jason Bourne. Julia Stiles is also a wonderful actor, but it's hard to see her in the role in which she is cast. Nonetheless, the acting is top knotch throughout, the director keeps the suspense high and there's plenty of action. This film will not turn out to be a classic motion picture, but for summer fun I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: "The Bourne Identity": A spy thriller in a class all its own Review: A man is found almost dead with two bullet holes in his back, but what is more mysterious is that when he regains consciousness, he finds that all of his memory is gone! A Swiss bank account number tattooed on this body leads him to discover he is Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) but no other facts are unearthed, except for knowing he has remarkable and terrifying talents. Besides finding out his name, he also finds in his Swiss box money, false passports, and a gun. With the help of a German gypsy, Marie (Franka Potente), he goes on a trail to find out his real identity. Unfortunately for him, assassins have a new target... him!"The Bourne Identity" most certainly falls into the category of a spy thriller, a new venture for Matt Damon who is the star of the movie. Throughout the movie I was very impressed with his spectacular fight scenes, obvious that he had training in kickboxing, karate, and firearms, using the skills like a 'born' natural (no pun intended :). His acting is also well done, from his expressions, emotions, and even showing the lack of both. Franka Potente is also a good love interest in the movie. She displays both nervousness and strength in her character. Other notable stars are Clive Owen, Chris Cooper, and Julia Stiles, though their roles are very small. Of course the movie has spectacular action and fighting scenes, mesmerizing you throughout the film. From car chase scenes and foxes and hounds chases to hand to hand combat fighting and gun fighting, you will be tense with excitement and suspense! One of the interesting things about the movie is the car chase scene. Well, we all have seen probably numerous car chase scenes with the hero in a cool sports car, Matt Damon as Jason Bourne drives a mini cooper! Now that was interesting! But some of the fight scenes are a bit violent, especially the end, hence the PG-13 rating. The movie is not all action, there is actually a pretty neat plot! The story is based on Robert Ludlum's 1980 bestseller so you can rely on "The Bourne Identity" having an intricate plot with lots of twists and turns. But one thing that disappointed me was the conclusion. The end was a bit confusing, making you wonder what in the world had been going on? Maybe it was me or the ending didn't seem to make sense. But I think the filmmakers are just making way for the sequel which I expect since "The Bourne Identity" is only the first in a trilogy. The other two sequels are "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum". So, if you are looking for a movie with lots of action and thrills, I highly recommend you "The Bourne Identity" which I'm sure will satisfy!
Rating: Summary: I saw it with my in-laws Review: This is a great action flick!...It's still highly entertaining. What's not to like? You've got Matt Damon (yum!) as a ((suprisingly believable)) ultimate spy. And-for you males out there- there's lots of fight scenes, explosions, and fast driving. So... the writing could be better... Just suspend your disbelief, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Rating: Summary: Good Entertainment Review: Yesterday evening I was looking for some nice, escapist entertainment after a day of meeting carpet cleaners, taking the dog to the vet, etc. I decided looking at some great European locales during an absorbing action film just might fill the bill. It did, and then some. I really enjoyed the Bourne Identity, far more than I expected to. I wasn't looking for it to resemble the book or the mini-series, which I only vaguely remember. It had appealing actors and almost nonstop suspense. Definitely, Bourne had few "safe" moments, the tension was always there. There were enough plot twists to keep it interesting, and it didn't try to be ridiculously cerebral (attention John Wu for absurd camera work as in MI:2 -- sorry Wu fans). I definitely got to see some European scenery. Who knows when, if ever, I'll get back to Europe, and I only wish there were more movies like this one with gorgeous location shots. My only criticism is that there could have been more suspense re: the amnesia plot device. It did seem like Bourne was about the only character who didn't know who he was, and maybe the viewer could have been kept in suspense a little longer, too. Do go see this movie for an afternoon of entertainment.
Rating: Summary: Great Plot and Action Make Up for Damon's Lack of Acting Review: The Bourne Identity was a great movie for two reasons, a great plot and some of the most entertaining action sequences this year. But lately it seems that Matt Damon can't seem to find a role he's fit for, Good Will Hunting was great but since then it seems he's gone downhill. The movie centers around a hitman who can't remember anything about who he is, all he knows is that he has a bank account number implanted in his hip and he can take down anyone who trys to take him on. So he travels around until he finally finds the truth. The supporting cast is great but it seems that Damon can't find the right attitude for his role but it's still a more then worthy alternative to recent garbage like Regin of Fire.
Rating: Summary: This is great! Review: The Bourne Identity is an exceptional spy thriller. I was on the edge of my seat for almost the whole movie, anxious to see how everything would end up. Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a man found off the coast of France half-dead with two bullet holes in his back. He wakes up to find that he has forgotten his name, his country, if he has a family- his identity is gone, thanks to amnesia. Franka Potente is a woman Jason bribes into driving him to Paris when the police are looking for him in Zurich, Switzerland. The Bourne Identity also boasts quality acting from Clive Owen, Chris Cooper, and Julia Stiles in a small yet interesting role. If you haven't seen this one yet, get to your nearest theater and see one of the best films of the summer.
Rating: Summary: Above average action film Review: Let me begin by saying I didn't read the novel. I see a lot of reviews here that their major gripe that is not faithful to the book. It's probably true since Hollywood loves doing that. A good example are the Tom Clancy novels. Nonetheless I thought this film was a pleasant surprise. I expected the film to be a stinker but wasn't. I enjoyed the suspense and the many action sequences that they performed. Matt Damon is really good in this film and maybe the next generation action hero. He doesn't do anything super human just a lot of intelligence and cleverness. The supporting cast was solid but the show is all Matt Damon. The only thing that was disappointing was the ending seemed kinda hacked on but that to me was a minor problem. It's a good summer flick.
Rating: Summary: good psychological thriller Review: This is the type of movie where you cannot predict the next scene, where the action is a result of plot and not simply for display, and where intelligence, not brawn, is necessary to solve the problem. Matt Damon is a believable character and has the qualities to carry the film. Fans of the tv series "Mystery" will be disappointed that Clive Owen doesn't have a meatier part. I read the book long ago and remember it as ponderous and confusing. The movie streamlines the plot somewhat, but it kept my attention to the end. Cinematography-lovely aerial shots of Paris-was fantastic, so was the soundtrack. If you like shoot 'em up, Stallone-type movies, don't bother. If you like a movie with intelligence, then this one is for you.
Rating: Summary: Fair attempt at bringing a great novel to the screen! Review: I saw the 1988 mini-series of THE BOURNE IDENTITY (BI)when it originally aired. I thought it was a great production and could have been released on the big screen. That film version stuck much closer to the original novel. Richard Chamberlin was in his early 50's when the film was made. In the novel I got the impression that Bourne was in his 30's in the early 70's and a Vietnam War vet. If you adjust the story to fit in with the 1988 setting of the first film Chamberlin is roughly the same age as Bourne would have been in 1988 if you use the book as a baseline for Bourne's age. I only bring this up because to remain faithful to the book Bourne needs to be a Vietnam vet and there is no way you can make a present day movie and have Bourne be a Vietname era vet. He would be in his 60's and that would detract from the original story line. So, I knew from the start when I found out that Matt Damon would be starring as Bourne that either the producers were going to set the film in present day and drastically alter the story line or, as I hopped they would do, set the story in the early 1970's and stick to the original story line. Of course the producers chose the present day option and in doing so made a horrible mistake. Spoilers are listed in the comparison between this movie and the book. 1. In the book the physician that saves Bourne after he washes up on shore. 2. In the book Bourne kidnaps his female companion. In the film he politely asks to use her & her car. This really undercuts the tension between these two characters as they fall in love. 3. In the book Bourne transfers his money from bank to bank. In the film Bourne carries it around in a bright red bag that is sure to draw attention to himself. 4. In the book Bourne tracks down his identity even as he tracks down the world terrorist Carlos. In the film Bourne seems to have clues brought to him by the bumbling assasins that can't hit their mark and Carlos is never in this movies storyline. 5. In the book the secret orginization Treadstone and it's founder David Abbott are key elements of the story. The relationship between Abbott and Bourne is critical to understanding why the world's intelligence agencies want Bourne dead. In the movie Treadstone is never fully explained and nor is the relationship between Bourne and Abbott. I could go on and on with the differences. However, I do think the producers deserve some credit, especially after seeing what THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (TSOAF) producers did to that book. They kept the story in Europe. Bourne still had amnesia. He outwits his persuers. All in all it is not a bad film. I just think that if a studio is going to make a movie based on a novel they should have a little bit more of the novel in it. The 1988 film will be released on DVD in August 2002 so If you want to see a BI that sticks faily close o the book check that one out.
|