Rating: 
Summary: Fast-Paced and Entertaining!
Review: Adapted from Author Robert Ludlum's novel of the same name, The Bourne Identity stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, who, as the film opens, is found floating in the middle of the ocean, and is picked up by a fishing crew. He's been shot twice in the back, and has a strange device implanted in his hip, a laser-pointerish thingy that shows a swiss bank account number. When Bourne awakens, we get that old movie cliche....AMNESIA!!! (Cliched, yes, but it works here.) The movie follows Bourne's efforts to not only uncover his identity, but also find out why so many people are trying to kill him. The movie is pretty long, but the brisk action scenes and snappy plot keep things moving. Director Doug Limon does a good job, and the cast is excellent, especially Chris Cooper (As Bourne's slimy boss), and the original Hannibal Lector, Brian Cox, who adds gravitas to every film he's in, even if it is a small role. Two problems- Matt Damon's fight scenes are sped up almost to the point of distraction. I appreciate the fact that Bourne is supposed to be a step above everyone else, but the fights just looked....off somehow. And I hope Julia Stiles has some heavy-duty "Deleted Scenes" on the DVD, because otherwise it just seemed like unnecessary stunt-casting to have her here at all. Her character just adds more time to an already long movie. I'm not usually the biggest spy-movie fan, but The Bourne Identity had me hooked from start to finish.
Rating:
Summary: Promise Not Quite Fulfilled.
Review: I first happened to watch part of THE BOURNE IDENTITY on cable. I watched the first twenty minutes of the film before I had to leave. What I saw intrigued me enough that a few weeks later I rented the DVD. Overall, the movie wasn't too shabby. It's got some good action sequences (especially the car chase) and a few unexpected surprises. Still, the ending of the movie was a little bit of a let down, almost too cliched. The audience knew from the beginning who Jason Bourne was almost from the beginning and is left with a suspicion of how the film will end. Nevertheless, it's still kind of a let down--I was hoping for more of a "Nowhere Man" type plot. Anyway. Matt Damon does a great job as the title character and Chris Cooper, well, Chris Cooper can seem to improve any role he plays no matter how cliched they are. Overall, THE BOURNE IDENTITY is a decent action/spy flick. You might not enjoy it, but you'll at least feel like you watched a good movie. The DVD includes several deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette promo, a music video, and the usual director's commentary.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the book... But just as good!!!
Review: I guess I was fortunate to not have any expectations when I saw the movie for I had not yet read the book. So in terms of just a movie the Bourne Identity is awesome!!! Everything fits together really well and there were no holes. For a spy movie that's very rare. But this movie had very little flaws. While it's hard to say anything about the movie without giving away the bigger picture, I can say both Matt Damon and Franka Potente played their roles extremely well. Matt Damon was convincing as a martial arts expert/spy while Franka Potente was believable as an innocent beautiful bystander just trying to help... And when I say beautiful I mean BEAUTIFUL. What a gorgeous lady she is, on and off the camera! And her beauty exudes in this film. There are other good things about this movie besides the credible acting! There were some great fight scenes, which Matt Damon was quite good in. The plot was superb with very little/to no holes in it. It was both intriguing and suspenseful and had and ambiance about it that's hard to describe. The superb cinematography was partially responsible for this but what I think added to the feel and really brought this movie to life was the musical score! It did everything a good score does. It brought you to the edge of your seat when it wanted you there or calmed you down when it was time to be calm. From the opening credits the music presented suspense and mystery! If you get a chance check out the score! It's awesome to listen to by itself! On top of this, the movie has one of the most fun car chases with Matt Damon behind the wheel of an old school Mini! While in the background is an awesome song by Paul Oakenfold called "Ready Steady Go" from his new CD Bunkka. All in all this movie was great but there is a problem with it. Though, it's only a problem if you make it one. The novel by Robert Ludlum for which the movie is named is quite different. With the exception of the basic premise of Jason Bourne and who he is, the two stories have few things in common. If you're a fan of the book you will be disappointed in how different it is. On the flip side if you can watch the movie impartially, chances are it will take on it's own existence and will be enjoyable. As I stated previously, I hadn't read the book before I watched the movie. Though the movie did inspire me to read it. This kept me neutral while watching the movie. The book was very awesome but it was so unbelievably different that I can recognize both as there own entity. If you're a fan of the book don't expect too much from this movie and I'm sure you will enjoy it for what it is, an action packed suspense mystery! If you like the movie, then check out the book. It's great! But be forewarned, the book is old school! Some of the references to technology will make you chuckle if you're young or make you reminisce if you're older.
Rating:
Summary: Not the book but a very good adaptation
Review: I have read the Bourne Trillogy by Robert Ludlum, which is a very great series however when I heard they were going to make movies on them I was a little skeptical. These books are highly involved psychological thrillers, not really good for movies. The movie adaptation takes a lot of the plot, character traits and locations and adapts them to a more practical script. Matt Damon is perfect in this role as the confused spy whose memory gradually comes back to him.
Now taking The Bourne Identity paticularly from a movie standpoint it is superb. The action is enough to compete with today's action films and even add some of their own memorable scenes, for example the Mini car chase and many of Bourne's fight scenes. The soundtrack was excellent for this mysterious action thriller and really put you in the mood as apposed to just playing loud synthesized music like majority of action films.
This movie is a great movie overall and I hope The Bourne Supremacy continues in the footsteps of this good spy thriller
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Intelligent Thriller
Review: I purchased this DVD just off of want I had heard about it. I must say that this movie does not disappoint. From the very beginning it locks you into this story of a CIA agent/assasin (Matt Damon) by the name of Jason Bourne. Bourne has no memory of his name, history, or profession. He was floating in the ocean with two holes in his back when group of men found him. He was thought to be dead by his superiors. As the story unfolds, he befriends a German traveler (Franka Potenta) who helps him in his quest to discover his identity. I will say that the action scenes in this movie are spectacular from the fight scenes to the car chases. The use of martial arts within the movie were pretty impressive and exhilirating to watch. Jason Bourne, while trying to find his identity, had to fight off attempts by his boss (Chris Cooper) to kill him and cover up his "failed mission".The use of technology in this movie is just superb. The computer gadgetry was top-notch. Bourne had a bank account implanted into his hip. Even once during the movie they were sitting in a cafe and he surveyed the place and gave feedback to Marie (Potente) within minutes. Even stating that two waitresses were left-handed and the best place to find a gun was in the cab of the truck outside. All of this and he still didn't know who he was. The action takes you from Switzerland to Paris and is a thrill-ride throughout. This movie just never loses you from the word "Go". The action is non-stop and Matt Damon does an excellent job of acting out the personality of Bourne with passion and convincibility-if I can say that. He looked like he could have boyish-charm, but deep inside he was a "30 million dollar" killing machine.I feel that Doug Liman did an awesome job in developing the story and the characters. It doesn't hurt that he had some great actors too. I think that Franka Potente is an up-and-coming star in the making. She's already got me saying "shizer!". Job well done!
Rating:
Summary: Big Splash
Review: In the commentary on the DVD, Matt Damon admits that this production's intention was to make a gripping film, not one that is faithful to the book. Director Doug Liman who did "Swingers" in 1996 & "Go" in 1999 accomplishes that with flying colors. Tony Gilroy who was the screenwriter for "Devil's Advocate" and "Dolores Claiborne" works with W. Blake Herron to produce a screenplay that takes Ludlum's novel as a starting point. The film is fast paced, moves quickly, is gorgeously photographed on location in Prague and Paris, and is a handsome DVD package to add to your collection. Matt Damon as Jason Bourne surprises us with his action ability while showing the perplexity of someone suffering from amnesia, thrown in an ever-changing situation where his past literally threatens his every moment. Chris Cooper who just won the best supporting actor Oscar for "Adaptation" and has played increasingly interesting roles in "Horse Whisperer," "October Sky," & "American Beauty," does an excellent job as the manager of a secret program called Treadstone that networks assassins worldwide. He becomes increasingly agitated until his assassination clears the way for Jason's ultimate freedom. Franka Potente who played Johnny Depp's girlfriend in "Blow" and is a major German filmstar does a great job as the gypsy-like Maria who is enlisted by Bourne and becomes his willing accomplice. Clive Owen who was so noticeable in "Gosford Park" doesn't have a lot of lines, but has one of the film's most memorable moments in his death scene in the wheatfield. Julia Stiles isn't asked to do much, but is interesting in her supporting role as Nicolette who runs Treadstone's Paris office. This is a film like a roller coaster. The DVD's deleted scenes are interesting with the one with the psychologist being one I felt could have easily added to the film. The alternate ending lead me to believe the director picked the right one, but was interesting to view. I never was absolutely clear on why the agency insisted on Bourne's assassination. This is a great rainy-day film that I'm pleased to have in my collection. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining action film
Review: Jason Bourne ( Matt Damon)is found floating in the Mediterranean Sea with two bullets in his back and a strange device with a Zurich address on it.. He also has no memory of who he is. After spending some time on the boat to recooperate, Bourne heads for Zurich to find out who he really is. Almost immediately he is forced to defend himself, and he soon discovers that he possesses the skills of a very dangerous man. With nowhere to go, he turns to the aid of poor German traveler named Marie (Franka Potente) to drive him to Paris. Racing to unlock the secrets of his own identity, he discovers that he is an elite government agent. His CIA superior (Chris Cooper), sees Bourne as a rogue agent, and dispatches assassins to kill Bourne. Now the government's top agent, has become its number one target... I had extremely low expectations going into "The Bourne Identity". Matt Damon has never done anything action related, and there have been many spy thrillers made over the years. I was pleasantly surprised. The action sequences are amazing, the fights are choreographed extremely well, there are tons of twists and turns to keep you guessing, the suspense is nail-biting at times, and the romance between Matt Damon and Run Lola Run's Franka Potente is great. Not to mention the fact that Damon is quite convincing and pulls the role off like he is a veteran action star. This film literally has everything that it takes to make a great movie. As far as the spy criteria goes, I was very pleased as well. The character Jason Bourne does not have any gadgets or gizmos to help him out. He must rely on his hands and his brain to get him out of jam after jam. This results in and excellent cat-and-mouse chase for the whole film. As you can see, the film does have a lot to offer. However, the reason that I cannot give it a five star rating, is due to the fact that it can be slow moving at times, which affects the overall pace of the film. Instead of flowing smoothly, it felt a bit choppy at times. But for the most part, the film is extremely enjoyable. This is the best spy thriller that I have seen since "Ronin". "The Bourne Identity" works so well, because it has something for everyone whether it be romance, suspense, action, or spy related. The DVD offers an alternate ending, deleted scenes, a making of featurette, and more.
Rating: 
Summary: Bourne Conspiracy
Review: Okay, I'm writing this because I feel that I've been burned. I just purchased the 2004(?) re-release of this DVD and I was very disappointed. The package describes an "explosive extended edition" and "includes an all-new beginning and ending". I've got to admit that I loved the movie when it was in the theatres, and am happy that it is now in my collection, but I never would have bought it had I known the hype was so lame. The 'explosive' new beginning and ending were NOT, and really add nothing to the movie (I won't 'spoil' the 'surprise' for those die-hard fans). Plus they couch the reasons for excluding them from the theatrical release in some 9/11 mumbo-jumbo that was not clearly defined enough to understand. I think it's just a marketing ploy. If you're looking for a major addition to the original in this new release...please say, "I wasn't Bourne yesterday!"
Rating:
Summary: The Bourne Identity - A heart pounding spy thriller!
Review: Starring Matt Damon and Franka Potente, a beautiful German actress, The Bourne Identity is a huge success. Fraught with intense action scenes and rich character development, this movie resounds with the passion of a high speed thriller that will bear many viewings. I must admit to some trepidation about Matt Damon in an action role given his past roles, this trepidation doesn't bear out though, as he performs admirably in the role of a CIA assassin who has lost his memory. The premise: Jason Bourne is a CIA assassin who is found floating in the Mediterranean Sea by a fishing boat. He has two bullets in his back, an odd little laser device with a Zurich address and no memory as to who he is. After two weeks on the fishing boat, he heads for Zurich and the search to who he really is. Once he starts on this quest, he finds that he has some absolutely amazing skills and is almost immediately defending himself from being killed in several different ways. He is then fortunate enough to find Marie, who he pays to drive him to Paris. The quickly developed relationship between these two characters is quite beautifully filmed. What ensues is clearly one of the best spy/action thrillers to come out in some time. This films action sequences will leave you exhausted and the plot line will enthrall you completely. If this is your type of genre, I highly recommend this film. The Special features are also quite interesting; of note are the alternate ending and the "Making of" clips. {ssintrepid}
Rating:
Summary: The Bourne Identity
Review: There was a point about half way through "The Bourne Identity" when I realized that the movie had no real plot --- but I was enjoying it anyway. Sometimes all you need is a good, solid lead, some nice action, and a well-kept pace in order to be entertained. Thankfully, the movie provides all of those attributes. "The Bourne Identity" is about Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), who is found floating in offshore waters by some fisherman, taken aboard their boat, and then recovers from two weeks at sea and two gunshot wounds. The recovery is quick, and Bourne is soon back on land, attempting to find out who he is, all the while people are trying to kill him. And he manages to hitch himself with a European drifter girl named Marie (played by Franka Potente, of "Run Lola Run" fame). Unfortunately for us, and the reason why I say that the movie has no real "plot", is that any possibility of mystery and intrigue is zapped out of the story by a few factors. 1: From the title alone, and then a passport seen relatively early on, *we* know Bourne's identity well before he does. 2: We also are clued-in to who is trying to kill him, long before he starts to get an idea, as the action cuts back and forth to his adversaries quite often. And 3: as we know who he is, what his job used to be, who his adversaries are, and what *they* are doing to try to catch him, the potential plot of "mystery" is completely removed. All we are left with is the possibility of suspense during some of the action scenes. Ah, but do those fulfill the purpose admirably. Even though we either already know what's going, or can pretty easily guess, once the story leads us into one of its many action scenes, all bets are off. The suspense comes into focus. The tension arises. And the fighting (Matt Damon must have taken some professional lessons) is great to watch, if a tad bloody. There is one scene in particular in which Bourne outwits an assassin, and it simply teems with nervous excitement as to how he'll resolve the conflict. "The Bourne Identity" may suffer from an overexposure of its more mysterious elements, but it stands up well under the wonderful talents of Matt Damon and Franka Potente. They have good chemistry, and the director is smart to keep a primary focus on them. The story moves along at a strong pace, and feels sure of itself. All in all, not bad, as techno spy thrillers go.
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