Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Big Splash
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:  - Who Is Jason Bourne? Seems Doug Liman Doesn¿t Know Either
If you read Ludlum's book, and are hoping to see how the big screen portrays the crafty story of a deep ops agent trying to regain his memory, forget it. There is no Monk, no Delta, no Cain, and no Carlos. The only similarities between the move and the book are the names Jason Bourne, Marie, and Conklin, and the beginning of the movie. Bourne, nearly dead, is found by a fishing boat and nursed back to health in two weeks to begin his quest towards Zurich. With each passing minute of the movie, it becomes less and less like the book. This new story line takes away several dynamic aspects of the novel. First, you lose the opportunity to see Bourne's resourcefulness. Instead, we are left with Damon's character's driving ability and deadly fighting techniques utilizing a Bic pen. We also lose Bourne discovering himself throughout the book as each incident that he survives helps trigger a thought or an idea from his past. Either Liman didn't know how to pull off Ludlum's vision, or Hollywood doesn't think audiences can handle anything beyond the action formula. There is nothing original about this movie. If you've seen "Total Recall", the "Long Kiss Goodnight", or any one of the amnesiac action movies in the last ten years, you've already seen this movie. If you've read the book, skip the movie. If you saw the movie, and liked it, you'll love the book. If you haven't done either, get the book, its better and cheaper. If you just want to see a spy movie, wait until the next James Bond comes out.
Rating:  - Can't compete with the real thing
First, the good news. Matt Damon makes a great Bourne, even better than Richard Chamberlain, who I really liked in the prior version. The bad news is the departures from the book. I suppose I could get past the stock "CIA-assassination-team" theme, but what I can't get over is the way they turned Bourne from a good guy who lost his memory into a bad guy who lost his memory. Ludlum was executive producer, so there's no excuse. Shame on them for doing that. Actually, shame on them for underutilizing Julia Stiles too.
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