So it’s come to this. After all these years following Bourne, after “The Bourne Identity” becoming one of my favorite action films of all time, we’re here at the tail end, and hopefully the last film of the franchise. And with it comes Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Paddy Considine; how can you beat a cast like this? You can’t. “The Bourne Ultimatum” is yet another fantastic entry into the series, and shocking enough: It breaks the rule that the third parts in franchises are terrible. “The Bourne Ultimatum” brings what the former films did.
It has class, it has a firm sense of storytelling at hand, and it has a group of wonderful actors to command the screen opting for skill over style, and it’s a winning formula. Bourne is tired of running, and after nearly being caught yet again, he wants answers and he’s not about to give up. Now, coming into Italy, he comes in contact with an author who may hold the answers he needs, just as the CIA decide simultaneously that the games are over and Bourne must be stopped. While I have thoroughly enjoyed all three films, “Supremacy” is by far the weakest, since Greengrass’s technique is confusing and often dizzying, but “Ultimatum” is a more toned down Greengrass’s, with a style that serves the story and the urgency perfectly.
It’s tough to watch this and not instantly think of “Three Days of the Condor,” and that’s fine. “Ultimatum” owes much to the film, and is very much in that vein with Bourne relying on his wits to destroy an organization that outnumbers him whole. The Bourne here is much different from the Bourne of the previous films. This is now a man who is just tired. He’s beginning to make mistakes, he’s underestimating the enemy, and he’s just exhausted from running and hiding non-stop. The Bourne here is weaker, and Damon plays him with enough vulnerability to still provide sympathy for the character, while portraying him as the hero. But Bourne doesn’t play sap, which is witnessed by his constant ability to adapt to high pressure situations.
And when he decides to throw down, he really comes back to form. The fights here are utterly amazing, and I do not exaggerate. Damon to his credit wonderfully performs his techniques increasing the sheer excitement of moments where Bourne is driven to deadly force while demonstrating why he’s considered such a threat. Probably one of my favorite newest additions if of Paddy Considine who joins as a British author chronicling the Bourne saga and the CIA’s attempts to cover up the mission Bourne was involved in. Paddy is a constantly underrated and criminally under-exposed actor and his appearance matched with his importance only serves my declaration that this is perhaps one of the best action movies this year.
As for David Strathairn, nothing else needs to be said. He’s a perfect compliment to folks before him like Chris Cooper and Joan Allen, and he’s a scene stealer here. For other actors his role would merely be utilitarian, but Straithairn is yet another antagonist who will be remembered by fans of the franchise. This is Damon and Greengrass’s film, but damned if these seasoned pros don’t get their moments in. As for Greengrass, I’m not particularly a fan of his style, but with “Ultimatum” he makes up for my regrets with “Supremacy.”
His edits, along with the utterly tight angles on the widest settings make Bourne’s world seem small and vicious, all the while the urgency matched with the suspense make this a movie you’ll have trouble breathing through, but you’ll be glad you watched the (hopefully) final bow to a great series. It’s the perfect way to close out such an incredible and influential franchise, period. “Ultimatum” is proof that not all three’s are doomed to be abysmal, and with an excellent cast, top notch writing, a biting sense of urgency, and yet another excellent performance from Damon, this has been one of my favorite franchises ever.