Bourne to kick ass and learn his name

Usually my reviews are rather lengthy because I've got plenty to nitpick or outright complain about the films I see. This is not one of those reviews. In my week of catching up on all the big summer films, I got to see The Bourne Ultimatum last night and it was just terrific.

Unlike many of the three-quels that have come out this summer, this one just seems like a natural progression of the previous film. Most of these sequels struggle to create new stories while still including all of the elements that made the original films great. With Bourne, there has been this ongoing storyline of "Who is Jason Bourne?", and the filmmakers should be commended for giving a few pieces of the puzzle with each film.

This one basically gives us all the remaining answers, but also leaves itself open for more films in this franchise. Matt Damon has said he's done with Bourne, but as they say, never say never. And I'm torn on that thought. On one hand, they have completed a trilogy that is just perfect as is and you would hate to see it ruined with another film; but I just enjoy this character and his interactions with the CIA so much that I would love to see another film. Thankfully, I have confidence after seeing the work put into these past couple of films that the crew will only do another one if they feel it can be of the same level as the ones they've done so far.

Some people will not care for director Paul Greengrass' style, which uses the handheld camera to give it a more realistic look. Some can't stand the shaky camerawork because it's difficult to grasp what's really going on. While I wouldn't enjoy seeing every film done this way, it works perfectly for this series. The action is so frenetic that by filming it this way just adds to that feeling.

Kudos to this franchise also for continuing to add top notch actors to their fine cast. In addition to Damon, Joan Allen and Julia Stiles are back from the previous films. Both understand their roles and play them appropriately. Then, this time they also added David Straithern and Albert Finney who were excellent as people who had various levels of involvement in Bourne's past.

Finally, I'll just add that the action sequence are top notch and some of the best you will see in any action film. The scene where Bourne is trying to help a journalist escape the CIA's clutches is just this wonderfully tense moment that is perfect for this franchise. Then there's the chase and eventually fistfight in Morocco which is another stellar action sequence.

In case you can't tell, I just loved the film. If you've seen the other films, you definitely want to see this one. And if you haven't, go rent those and get caught up on one of the best action franchises in some time. You won't be sorry! Grade: A