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Massawyrm Says BOURNE ULTIMATUM Is More Of The Same...In A Good Way!!
Hola all. Massawyrm here.
You know, there's not really a whole hell of a lot to say about The Bourne Ultimatum as it is one of those films that truly is what it is. At this point you know whether this is your thing or not. Matt Damon plays ass kicking one time assassin Jason Bourne who returns for one more foray into his past as he slowly, piece by piece discovers that he's really Wolverine without the claws.
The Bourne films have never really been my thing. I've enjoyed them as the fun little action films they are, but I've never walked away from one saying Man, I need to watch that again! In fact, I've never watched them again. But I did enjoy each one as I watched it. To me they've always been fire and forget enjoyable time passers.
And that's exactly what The Bourne Ultimatum is, more of the same, but in the best way possible. Of the three it is actually my favorite - a ramped up, fun, thinly plotted chase movie that delivers on just about everything it appears to be attempting. There's not a whole hell of a lot going on. Jason Bourne once again is trying to find out his true identity which leads to the occasional scene in which Bourne is given a cryptic scrap of information before he is discovered by the local authorities and has to run, jump and kick his way through the highly trained but suddenly inept mob of agents. After about ten or so minutes of this we cut to another city, Bourne gets another scrap of cryptic information…lather, rinse, repeat. For about two hours. And despite this simple, methodical approach to storytelling, the structure actually works.
Every action beat hits at just the right time and watching to see exactly how Bourne is going to get out of trouble this time proves an enjoyable exercise every time he does it. The action is pretty intense, the pacing taut and there's never a wasted moment. Paul Greengrass seems to be exercising demons, having just previously torn the heart out of every New Yorker with United 93, he now wants to have fun with the town, tearing up every street and building he can find. And once again his raw, documentary style adds a gritty, almost believable reality to some pretty extreme stunts and sequences.
This was actually a really enjoyable film. It's nothing that's going to set the scene a blaze, but it's definitely going to take your ten dollars at the door and give you something worth every penny. The Bourne Ultimatum is the perfect example of a summer film – fun, loud and mindless, but ultimately something you won't regret giving your time over to. Recommended.
Until next time friends, smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em.
Massawyrm
Bourne, Bourne, Bourne, Bourne to be alive.
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nope
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sure it will be good.
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the bourne movies have always been awesome. i never caught the first one til months after it was on dvd and i fell inlove with it, the second one i saw in its tail end of being in theatres and liked most of it, but felt doug liman's absence hurt the movie, but this one for sure i am gonna be there opening night, i haven't really been that upset with this summers movies so heres hoping with only a few titles left to see beofre summers out i won't be dissapointed
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Is it a spin class with Old Scratch? Tae-Bo with Pazuzzu? Power-lifting with the Golgothan?
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no funny onliner all the time. no stupid electronic geeks living in the basement of mothers house.
go bourne kick some ass..... -
they watch spiderman 3 .. one of the most boring films i have seen and they love it.
they make transformers a success, and it´s only eyecandy without a story.
i could go on forever but i think most will know what i mean.
is it because of the bad education system?
are they getting headaches from movies with a story? -
Frank Marshall and Matt Damon were doing a benefit for a children's hospital here and they did a screening to raise money. It rocked the shit out, let me tell you. I shook Damon's hand as he walked out, pretty cool.
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Oh that's right there from other countries that's why. Everyone I know hates both Spider-man 3 which I thought had problems but I liked it, didn't "love it". I did not like Transformers and no one I know did either. So you're statement that all Americans like shit has just been smacked down! Your posts don't make sense because before you went American bashing you praise the Bourne movies, which Americans love.
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Bond wasn't right, it was too silly and OTT. Boure can show them where they went wrong on Royale.
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Dude, with grammer like that, thanks, but no thanks for your defense of us Americans.
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As Spectre said - Most people I know hated SpiderMan3, I personally disliked Transformers (great CG awful, awful storytelling) - but it did get a huge ovation at the screening I attended. br>America is a huge country. There are people that love crap, there are those that love great films. I do think that lately there seems to be an attraction by a large portion of the population to very mediocre movies but that doesn't mean everyone's in that group. I love the Bourne films. I just think they do everything right for the gnere to which they belong (they're not trying to be French Connection) and unlike Massawyrm have watched them over and over again. All Americans are not lovers of shit. It just seems that way because lately most are...the box office never lies.
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movies as being on the same level as Transformers? Watch Supremacy again, especially the ending, a climax fueled by the main character's burden of guilt and his need to simply apologize (rather than to snatch a Maguffin or kill The Bad Guy). Then rewatch Transformers, especially the scene where the dog pees on a robot.
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My wife said "Matt Damon is in OKC for a fundraiser?" Yes...because he's an actual human being as well as a really good actor. We did think it rather cool that he took the time to be here in Oklahoma for charity instead of doing photo ops in L.A., etc. Doesn't hurt that I love the Bourne movies and will be seeing this soon.
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countries. As such, we have more idiots. But with that in mind, I'd wager that our normal person to idiot ratio isn't any bigger than any other country.
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When he spells the word GRAMM-A-R : GRAMM-E-R. Are you for real? Thanks but no thanks for insulting spectre. Why don't you put a few more dudes and commas in your sentences while you're at it...clown.
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Completely agree. It takes a good guy to come out here. You'll love it.
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Yep, you busted me really good, dude.
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And it's Sidius.
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I've never "busted" anyone on misspelled words, but when they'RE constantly using the wrong contractions, it gets annoying.
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Like these movies. Like em alot.
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...hee hee. Classic stuff.
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i'm just saying, spider 3 was ok too
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But if you are in anyway trying to tell me that the Bourne films are thinking mans movies, I think the argument can end right there. They're fun. But come on, they're not DEEP. The pathos at the end of Supremacy helped make the film good and more than just a glorification of violence. But it was still two hours of one guy beating the crap out of a bunch of other guys.
And could someone find Ace of Wands his meds, please. I don't know how long he's been off of them, but he sure didn't take them this morning. -
Don't remember any of the bourne movies having a thin plot... o_O
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Nobody is interested in this little pissing contest you seem so intent on starting.
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Why do you insist on correcting my username?
My name is Sidius. It's not based on the character Darth Sidious from Star Wars. It's an inside joke between my friends and I and is personal to me (as I am sure biggles2_22 is to you). You don't see me renaming you 'G'iggles2_22 to make a point.
Oh, and I didn't use a wrong contraction. It is Sidius and the Bourne films are not trying to be French Connection. Don't try to correct my grammar with your wrong grammer.
I'm done with you. -
Dude, you are ascribing WAY too much malice to a review in which I had nothing but positive things to say. Called it the best of the series. It doesn't aim to be anything more than a really entertaining action film. And it accomplishes that. Any of this 'dismissive' or 'talking down' has been entirely conjured by your own imagination.
But the difference between htis and the Transformers review you keep harping on? I actually had some propblems with Transformers. Loved it, but had complaints. Read this review again. ZERO complaints. It's solid. Go enjoy it. See it twice if you have to, get a blowjob this weekend. Something, anything. -
as a fan of the bourne movies, I think 'mindless' is a bit harsh.... at least theres an illusion of feasibility, unlike Die Hard 4, for example....now THATS a mindless movie. And as far as mindless movies go it was bad. Awful film....this site was far to lenient with it. In fact, it was merricks review that convinced me to download it :) and even then I was pissed. Transformers, Shrek, Spider-Man...check, check, check all mindless. Bourne? mindless? nope. Vacuous? maybe. Gritty, well scripted, well acted, well directed? check.
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im not disagreeing with massawyrms viewpoint; I just think the wording could have been a little better.....
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"Vacuous? maybe. Gritty, well scripted, well acted, well directed? check." I completely agree with this sentiment.
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To call the Bourne films "mindless" is not only harsh, it's just wrong. These films are smart as hell and have raised the bar for action movies - from "mindless" to intelligent. And yes, I think they have great depth and emotion, which make them worth repeated viewing. Glad that this is a positive review, but I wouldn't pass these films off as mildly enjoyable time-wasters. They are so much more than that.
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Clive is gonna kick Bournes ass. Booyah!
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I think you guys are getting hung up on Massawyrm's choice of words here. I agree, maybe he shouldn't have used "mindless" persay, but I understand what he's saying. I love the Bourne movies. I HAVE come out of the theatre saying, "Man, can't wait to see that again." I seem to appreciate them even more on repeat viewings, it seems. But they are just essentially chase pictures. Bourne is being chased, or chasing someone to achieve his goal. That's it. It's done with intelligence and written with intelligence, unlike your typical action flick. There is nothing completely ridiculous about the sequences; where you think the filmmamkers just didn't bother to do any research on how things actually work... instead just trying to give us a demo reel for their F/X firm.
They're also not movies, however, that try to give us a subtle political view, or filled with symbolism on every frame. There will be no debate with your friends on the meaning of the film coming out of the theatre. It's a simple premise. Bourne is being chased, Bourne fucks shit up. End of movie. And it's great. They're action throwbacks with unbelievable car chases. "Mindless" does have such a negative connotation these days, as it's thrown about rather liberally when bad movies are reviewed, so maybe it shouldn't have been used here. Massawyrm clearly doesn't like the series as much as me, but he isn't wrong here, either. They're not deep, but they are smart.
The characters aren't one note jokes like in Transformers. No "Fat Guy Loves Donuts and is a Virgin" middle-school level "comedy" here.
The Bourne films make you feel like this stuff is actually happening in the real world, with real world consequences. That is what elevates this material in the end. Well, okay, a real world with awesome car chases every where you go, but whatever. -
Aug 01, 2007 6:27:33 PM CDT
You know what this talkback needs? More MAATTT DAAMOON!
by lando griffin
Gezz in all my years here at AICN I have seen my share of whiney geeks but calling Massa out for the use of one adjective has got to be up their with nipples on a Batsuit and flames on Optimus. Relax geeks, your poster of Matt Damon is still hanging up on your wall. Matt still loves you. And remember what Massa gave was an opinion, he's entitled to one, same as you. You can think he's wrong, doesn't make it true but feel free to have one.
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I laugh at reviewers who make absolute statements like it is nothing "that's going to set the scene a blaze." So you are now a fuckin' time traveler? You have seen the future? Fuck you. It maybe didn't set your can't-do-so-I'm-a-critic ass a blaze, but that means NOTHING.
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And no, it turns out you don't get to touch a girls pooter before you die. Sorry. I was keeping that to myself, but since you asked...
As to the continued bruhaha over the use of the word mindless, I will say this. What I meant was that this movie asks nothing of the Audience. Nothing. Except that they have a pulse. That doesn't make it stupid or poorly put together. Just that someone who can't string two sentences together and someone working on the concept of Dark Energy by studying supernovas are gonna walk out having seen the exact same movie. It is a movie that does not require you to think to enjoy it. Was Transformers mindless? Abso-fucking-lutely. Why did I see it twice? Because it showed me something I had never seen before - giant robots beating ass in the middle of a city. Why won't I probably watch this again? Because I've seen Jason Bourne get chased by people three times now. It was still good - but come on. You guys have officially made a mountain out of a molehill. -
I'll put them in the same catagory in that neither movie asks the audience to think about them to get anything out of it. This isn't Sunshine or The Fountain or Mulholland Drive. Those movies ask a lot of the audience. Now Transformers DOES ask something completely different of the audience. It asks them to suspend a WHOLE lot of disbelief. But that's why I didn't like the comparison to begin with. I would easily compare the Bourne series to any number of other films that I LOVE but would still call fun, loud and yes, mindless. Of course, I probably shouldn't mention them, lest the Implication Police continue their tirade and revoke my right to use words beginning with the letter M.
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Sure the films don't employ abstract symbolism, but they are much deeper than I think you give them credit for. You seem to be too concerned with the superficialities of the work. Yes, on the surface, the film is merely a chase movie. But the astute viewer will recognize that the film has much to say about the nature of fate, identity, and the very possibility of human nature. Bourne's confession at the end of Supremacy still remains one of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen in an action film.So I don't think it's fair to simply look on the surface and say, well, Bourne Supremacy is ostensibly a chase movie and US Marshals is ostensibly a chase movie so, therefore, they have the same artistic value. That's not fair at all, but it is what you suggest. If you want to reduce everything to simply "entertainment" and deny the existence of any true artistic value of the medium, then all criticism becomes meaningless. So I guess it's just troubling what it is you mean here. If you don't think movies are capable of making artistic contributions to humanity then what is the purpose of your reviews?
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I am not going to any universal films untill they go neutral in the hd war. Not hard since universal don't make that many movies I want to see anyway
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Sorry Mass you are dead wrong about the Bourne movies. Maybe if you went in with a brain instead of just a pulse you would have liked them more. I have seen them multiple times and to say they are mindless is well um...umm. mindless. The are all abour subtlety(SP) The man has a conscience and has to do some bad things and put innocent people in bad situations. Two examples, the scene in identity at the country house with the children, and the amazing final scene in supremacy facing the daughter. Just admit you were wrong and quit back pedaling.
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I never got into the Bourne movies either. I like Matt Damon, but Identity/Ultimatum/Supremacy all seem too bland and take themselves way too seriously.
And to Lonegun and all you other guys calling the Bourne films "smart" and American audiences "dumb"...the Bourne films aren't smart. A step above others (Shooter, anyone?) but not smart. They look smart, and they're marketed as "smart", but they're simply not. They're bland. So, in order to consider the Bourne films "smart", you would have to already be a card-carrying member of the "dumb" American audience.
Personally, I would take Long Kiss Goodnight over the Bourne films any day of the week. At least that one was fun. -
Timecop was marketed as a "thinking man's action movie". I can remember seeing the TV ad and everything. I actually liked Timecop, but a thinking man's action movie it was not. Don't buy into the hype people. Don't assume something is "smart" just because it's marketed that way.
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MC-909 doesn't get out much. What the hell is that? "I would take long kiss goodnight over the Bourne films any day of the week." Seriously, I know it's fun to get a rise out of people, but do you have to say stupid shit like that? Come on, you can do better. On a more serious note, big shout out to Minneapolis, MN. My home town. The bridge thing is totally fucked up.
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...is that the whole "Who Am I?" routine is played out and has been played out since the eighties. For the Bourne films to take such a simple and hackneyed premise and not do anything original with it is a shame.
Memento, as we all know, truly did something unique with the premise. The Bourne films, sadly, do not. I have never left a Bourne movie thinking "wow, that was awesome!" I've always left thinking "wow, that was a movie".
And I stand by my Long Kiss Goodnight comments. For as retarded as parts of it were (anything involving the daughter), it was a blast. You guys have to understand, at the time, there had been nothing like it. La Femme Nikita, maybe. -
just kidding
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I certainly never called American audiences "dumb". Judging by the majority of talkbackers here praising the Bourne films for their depth, I'd say American moviegoers are pretty intelligent.
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You are correct. Sorry about that.
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Hey, MC-909, that's all right. I agree with you about MEMENTO, by the way - an amzingly original psycho-thriller, and so invigorating. Wish there were more films like that.
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Well I usually wait until Saturday Morning for the $4 dollar show.
But I spent the extra 2.75 Stupid me.
Well I look forward to the movie. Changed my seat to avoid the talkers behind me.
Then well the black lines on the screen for over five minutes. I had to wait until the CIA guys came on screen to get rid of the print scratches.
Then well it was like Bond on crack, kill this one let that one go.
The reporter scene, damm well it was interesting for a few seconds then it got monotonous. Never have people talk on cellphones should be in screenwriter class 101.
Second why didn't he sleep with the cute blond.
Third best part of the movie was the fight scene.
I wish he would have never went to NY, that part sucked.
Fifth the ending sucked too never have the main character, the protagonist off screen. God almighty and the newspaper guys at rotten tomatoes gave this film 93 percent approval. Who are these guys?
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