3.75/5
Reviewed November 12, 2020
Spy thriller, first in a long series, about an injured assassin with amnesia, fighting to figure out who he is. Major action star turn for Matt Damon, and definitely a staple in action thriller libraries.
The Bad:
- I hate the “never talking to anyone and characters kill themselves/die before telling people what’s going on” trope when it’s used over and over and over. Got really old and I was like “all of this is solved if you just say hey, I got hurt and have amnesia”. Yes, the main Agent in charge was an asshat and didn’t believe him in the heat of the moment, but it wasn’t great.
- Some of the gun sound effects were blatantly incorrect and distracted. Also, apparently many bird calls were also blatantly wrong according to co-watcher birder friend.
The Good:
- Matt Damon definitely shined as Jason Bourne, with some solid depth in a few places (more on that later). He was convincing in his movements and had a few good fights that really amped things up.
- The supporting cast was surprisingly deep, with great talents like Julia Stiles, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Walter Goggins, and Brian Cox.
- Franka Potente was great as Marie, especially her facial expression game.
- The expressions and body language Damon was able to produce during his first fight, coming to the realization that he was an efficient and brutal fighter, made me very happy. That was a well-done scene.
- The sexual tension between Marie and Jason leading up to the bathroom makeout session was quality. Normally wouldn’t comment on something like that but it felt entirely organic vs a lot of other movies
- The background soundtrack significantly added to the film, especially in moments like the embassy escape; dramatic, pulsing music while he’s fighting, and a sudden switch to a light, cautious theme when he’s quietly working his way down the wall. Really enhanced the scenes.
- “How could I forget about you, you’re the only person I know”
- ^the above made me think about C-3PO and that’s never a bad thing, so if you know, you know.
- I apparently really like chase sequences involving mini coopers, cause this one was a blast. (I also love the sequences in The Italian Job)
- Clive Owen
Solid thriller, and I’m hoping the rest of the series is at least as fun.
Getting Reel with Mr. Sunshine 