Movie Review: Jason Bourne…I wouldn’t stand in line for this

The Bourne Ultimatum..even the slightest recollection of the last (and arguably finest) in this legendary trilogy sets the pulse racing and the adrenaline soaring. It was the perfect swan song for Bourne and ended on just the right note. What then is the point of Jason Bourne, the next installment (I disregard Bourne Legacy to have anything to do with this series) to be released? Unfortunately, as you exit the theater roughly two hours later, you still haven’t found any answers.

To adapt from the trademark Moby soundtrack that accompanies the series, the movie doesn’t sink to such depths that one would say ‘it fell apart’ but it does come pretty darn close. The only reason things still manage to stay together is due to the genius at the helm – Paul Greengrass. I’ve said it earlier and I’ll say it again – the man has such a vision for action, its hard not to get sucked in. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that even he gets somewhat exposed in this mish mash of action scenes with the weakest plot of the series and a climax that seems like it is part of the Fast and Furious series, rather than Jason Bourne.

There is nothing horribly wrong with Jason Bourne per se – if you can forgive its weak plot. The shaky camera is there, the tension is somewhat there, Heather is no Pamela Landy but Alicia Vikander gives her everything she’s got – but then its all been done before and done way better. What had your rapt attention in Ultimatum is that the quality of action was lifted to a whole new level. It wasn’t just about bullet holes, bombs and fancy devices – the action had the smarts. You felt as if you are seeing things from the mind of Jason Bourne – the master agent and that was enthralling. This time too, while the attempt is to do that, there are no ‘aha’ moments of shock and disbelief at what Bourne just managed to pull off despite the odds being against him.

If I were to rename this particular installment – I’d call it The Bourne Chronicles  or Jason Bourne – Just another day, because that’s what it feels like. It doesn’t feel like Bourne got tested, the opponents were smart or that Bourne was a whole lot smarter. Maybe if I hadn’t seen Ultimatum, I’d not expect so much – but having witnessed that brilliance, this installment almost seems lazy and contrived.

On a positive note though, the new version of Extreme Ways that plays in the end credits is way more exciting than the previous ones.

I won’t say that its so bad you shouldn’t go for it – it has all the trademark features of a Paul Greengrass offering and that alone makes it worth a visit. But I wouldn’t hold my heartbeat for this one. Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass may be back, but it looks like Jason Bourne is still missing.