The Bourne Ultimatum (12A)

Film

Thrillers

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Time Out says

Mon Aug 13 2007

Confused, mistrustful and trying to keep a lid on the knee-jerk violence to which he is predisposed, Jason Bourne is a troubled secret agent for troubled times. This third part of the most satisfying action franchise of the decade finds Bourne (Matt Damon) still on the run, gradually remembering how US security forces reshaped him as a super-assassin while trying to avoid their continued efforts to neutralise him. Drawn into the open by a UK newspaper exposé, he’s tacitly aided by CIA insiders Pamela Landy (Joan Allen, looking stern in turtle-necks) and Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) while David Strathairn and Albert Finney take on ruthless bastard duties.

Paul Greengrass, director of ‘The Bourne Supremacy’ and ‘United 93’, remains ahead of the field in delivering gristly, handheld, relatively credible action reliant on whatever’s to hand rather than hi-tech gadgetry. (If you thought Bourne was bad-ass with a magazine, just see what he can do with a hardback…) The plot roves across the globe but the standout set piece takes place in our own Waterloo Station, making an exhilarating rat-run of a packed concourse that will have you peering uneasily at CCTV cameras and advertising hoardings on your next commute.

While the crunchy fights and unflagging pace ensure this delivers as genre spectacle – a car chase deservedly got a round of applause at the screening I attended – the muddy ethics also make for a pleasing contrast with standard-issue wham-bammery. The CIA’s instant, lethal access to any spot on the globe and tactics like rendition and ‘experimental interrogation’ provoke anxiety here, not pride, and Bourne’s own killings are followed not by a quip but a flush of shame.

Author: Ben Walters

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Release details

Rated:

12A

UK release:

Fri Aug 17, 2007

Duration:

115 mins

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Comments & ratings

(67 ratings)

Great film. Thorughly enjoyed the ride. Matt Damon is a great actor. Read comments about the camera action but was not a problem. Keep alert as the film does go fast and furious. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Marie Tue Sep 18 2007
Rated as: 4/5
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James Bond needs to think again, the bourne trilogy takes the spy genre to a completely new level. Quite simply these are spy movies worthy of the 21st century...which so far no other spy movie can match for sheer thrills per second. Hope there's a fourth

Leslie Tue Sep 18 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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move over bond your days have ended, bourne totally brilliant even better than the first two films.

josey Sat Sep 15 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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Well acripted and acted, as with the first two. Totally let down by the massive over-use of handheld camera and very very fast cuts designed to pick up the pace and keep the adrenalin running in a '24' style. Unfortunately it's so over-used that it has you staring at the floor wishing you'd brought your seasickness pills. Real shame. Ruined what was otherwise a great film for me.

James Layton Sat Sep 15 2007
Rated as: 2/5
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great film,greataction,go and see it

fatmike Fri Sep 14 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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Fantastic film, great pace although a little too fast at times with a few shaky camera shots, had me sat on the edge of my seat. So good i'm taking my boyfriend to watch it, so I can see it again. A must see film

Roxanne Thu Sep 13 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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An absolute must-see. The best film i've seen in months.

butterfly Thu Sep 13 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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Just Brilliant - an excellent ending to a great film trilogy. GO SEE IT NOW

Jaffa Thu Sep 13 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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The first Bourne film I have seen. Great acting and script, shame about the filming techniques. The attempt to use short shots and not-so-steady-cam work to give a feeling of an action packed fast paced movie completely ruined the experience. Take your travel sickness pills before you go.

sally Wed Sep 12 2007
Rated as: 2/5
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Oops.. a repeat post... forgot to add the stars last time... Absolutely the best of the Bourne films.. which I loved too... but this one just is so jam-packed full of action!! As I speak, I am looking forward to my FOURTH cinema viewing of it tonight!!! It is really *that* good... I'm a 43 year old professional who rarely does repeat cinema views, but I just had to see it again!! Enjoy!! ... You won't be disappointed!!!

Carol Davis-Wilkie Mon Sep 10 2007
Rated as: 5/5
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The Bourne Ultimatum (12A)

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