Jason Bourne's ultimatum underscores the challenges facing the intelligence community.

Universal Pictures, The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) is the third installment featuring Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). This spy flick revolves the amnesic undercover agent Bourne who graces the big screen again, to settle a few scores and understand his violent past. After losing his girlfriend to an assassin's bullet and avenging her death, Bourne wants to put an end to all the Treadstone drama. Just when he begins putting the pieces together about the covert program Treadstone, now called Blackbriar heavy weight CIA Director Noah Vosen (David Strathairn) wants him permanently neutralized. Fortuitously for Jason, he gets some unexpected help from CIA bad girl turn do-gooder Deputy Director Pam Landy (Joan Allen), and the lovely Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles), his old handler. There won't be time to burn any tapes or discard evidence if Bourne gets to them first. This off the book mission begins with Bourne outwitting the CIA across continents trying to track down all the deadly elements and clues of his mysterious past.


Actor Matt Damon flawlessly executes his Bourne doppelganger with a combined harmonic presence. His calm, cool and collected demeanor, matched with his well choreographed fighting skills makes this lead character extremely entertaining. While I think the pacing at the beginning could have been a little faster filling in the pieces about Bourne's life, I do understand the three writers attempt at educating viewers who are not familiar with this character. Fortunately as the action sequences build things eventually move at breakneck speed. From the seat gripping brutal hand-to-hand combat to the riveting car chases that make your feet tap the theater floor like the brakes in your car this film is an action junkies dream.


Like most spy flicks, the theme has been done before. I'm not sure why it took three writers to write this script, but one-liners accurately develop this film’s simple theme regarding the lead character's attempt to regain his memory. What's different here is that no one does it like Director Paul Greengrass. Not only does he keep things moving, but he also brings back a first-rate cast of characters. My favorite is the lovely actress Julia Stiles who appeared in both Identity and Supremacy, this time Stiles refreshingly expands her role in this male dominated punch fest.


The cinematography and camera work is pretty fast dropping the viewer right into the mix with darting shots and hard hitting fight scenes that will leave you dazed and confused if you get up for a popcorn refill. The movie has a PG-13 rating for violence, however I think this one walks the fine line and should probably contain an NC-17 rating. There are varying degrees of violence through out the film which include bloody and often deadly consequences. This movie is not suited for all audiences and follows in the footsteps of so many other secret agent movies. Even if you miss some of the action sequences you'll still be able to follow the basic storyline. In my opinion it’s the dynamic car chases, martial arts action and good looking cast that makes this 111 minute movie worth the watch.


The Bourne Ultimatum is a predictable spy movie with a macho brooding, no no-nonsense Matt Damon who found his niche. You can’t beat the $1.00 bargain matinee price tag plus it will be out on DVD in a few days. Grab your copy on December 11, 2007.