| The Bourne Identity (2002) Rated PG-13 for Violence & Some Language Director: Doug Liman Starring Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Clive Owen, Chris Cooper, Julia Stiles, & Brian Cox. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is a spy, but he doesn't know that. He doesn't know who or where he is. However, with the help of a young woman he pays for a ride, Marie (Franka Potente), Bourne tries to discover everything he's forgotten. I went into this film with very low expectations. I was not impressed by the trailer, and I did not believe Matt Damon could pull off a role that was so... unlike him. Well, I was wrong... and I'm glad I was. I don't think I would want to dislike or hate a movie like this. "The Bourne Identity" is a well-crafted spy thriller, and not only that, Matt Damon delivers a flawless performance. I really think this is a good move by him, he shows that he is a very vesatile actor, and he also shows how cool he can be. Throughout the film's entirety, Damon looks like he's having a wonderful time, and that really helps his performance. Once you see the very cute Franka Potente for the first time in the film, you just know there's gonna be a romance, and you immediately think that it's going to kill the film... but that does not happen here. The romance between Damon and Potente is handled very well, and never ever goes over-the-top. And because of this, it's quite enjoyable to sit through. My only pet peeve with this film was the ending. I was wondering why it didn't end about two minutes before we reached the annoying ending. I really would like to know why the majority of films have to end with all these stupid, pathetic "hollywood" endings. If there was just one scene that needed to be left on the cutting room floor, it had to be the ending. "The Bourne Identity" is two hours of great fun. It's a highly entertaining film that should definitely keep you satisfied with it's direction, story, acting, and even it's exquisite locations. There's a new spy in town, and his name is Jason Bourne. I don't know about you, but I'd like to see him again on the silver screen. Running Time: 1 hour 58 minutes Grade: 8/10 Strider |