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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Sheep Movie Review: Bourne Legacy

***A DOUBLE REVIEW***

The Bourne Legacy, directed by Tony Gilroy and starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisez and Edward Norton is the fourth installment in the Bourne saga. Without Matt Damon and Jeff Imada's stunt coordination could this film stack up to the previous mega hits? Yes, indeed it can!

Plot:
The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office: The Bourne Legacy. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films. For The Bourne Legacy, Renner joins fellow series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles.

First off I have to say that I was very disappointed when I heard that yes, we would get yet another Bourne movie in 2012 BUT Matt won't be starring. I was devastated to say the least. That's not to say that Jeremy isn't a wonderful actor, but when you get used to seeing the man-candy action that Matt brings it's hard to swallow anyone else stepping into the lead role. That being said, Jeremy does a fantastic job as the leading man in this one. I also loved the added snark and humor that was missing in previous films, which I credit to director Tony Gilroy, who had a hand in making all the previous films as a co-writer. This installment to the Bourne series felt calm and well paced, with the action jumping in when needed and backing off when dialog had to take center stage.

Some of the best parts about these films are a mix of two things for me: the action and the government conspiracies. Layers upon layers of coverups followed by even more cover ups and the breaking of countless international laws, will the U.S. ever stop?! Probably not, BUT it's great fun to watch and even more entertaining after the lights come on and you can go on a rampage about the eye in the sky. (The man is always watching!) All in all, it makes for great film and exciting story telling, despite a few spots where the script seemed to just gloss over key areas without a lot of explanation. Sorry, I didn't graduate from CIA school, and while I like that the movie expects audiences to be smart minded about the lingo, I for one am not.

The action sequences are truly exciting and nail-biting at times. I know both Jeremy and Rachel did quiet a few of their own stunts and it shows in the finished project! You can spot the stunt doubles in a few scenes but the fact that they both took on the challenge, as difficult as it was, colors me impressed. The chemistry between the leads is again spot on, and I could feel the connection as it grew from mutual benefit into something more. Set and art direction adds to the overall film with some amazing cinematography bringing it all full circle. Familiar faces from previous films help the audience transition to THIS story and while it's not about Jason Bourne any longer it's still immersed in the secret program and littered with excitement.

If you love action and enjoyed the previous films then you'll want to give this one a try. The ending is left wide open for future films which I'll be looking forward to. Legacy is not the best of the bunch, but fun none the less!

Getting 3 and 1/2 "whacking dudes with a helmet" Sheep
KD
Sharon what did you think?

I enjoyed the movie, but it relied too heavily on visual action rather than a thrilling storyline. Jeremy Renner was a great choice for the role, but I got annoyed with the constant reminder of the absent Jason Bourne. His name and picture kept popping up, but he had his movie, let’s move on!

The plot was the typical action movie formula. The CIA must sanitize a secret genetic enhancing program that is drawing too much attention. The protagonist, a soldier test subject, barely escapes and is now on the hunt for those who wronged him. Of course he saves the “girl”, in this case a scientist, who is also being targeted because she knows too much. They team up and end up in a very long and crazy chase scene on foot, car, and motorcycle through the city of Manila. How he couldn’t lose the police in a city as crowded and convoluted as Manila, I don’t know. Let’s not forget the assassin hired to kill our duo who is also a genetically enhanced soldier but without feelings, from a “different” secret government program, can you say sequel?

I know this is science “fiction”, but I studied microbiology, virology and immunology in grad school and the science had me rolling my eyes, but I can’t hold that against the film . (Kalpar: Yes....yes you can. I hate 300 because it is so far off on history it's not even historical fiction anymore.)

There were some cool scenes, lots of explosions and wolf wrestling. I think it is definitely worth a rental.

3 “wolf wrestling” Sheep
SS

Edited by Kaplar

7 comments:

  1. I am a fan of Matt and was worried this latest film would not add up. After reading this review I am going to check it out. Sounds fun and equal to the previous movies. Thank you for this review!

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    1. you are welcome! It is a feast for the eyes that is for sure :)

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  2. I've been watching the movies since they came out and liked them all so far. I wasn't sure if this one would be good or not.

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    1. It's good Mary. Not great but good for sure. Catch the cheap showing or worst case wait for dvd. I do love the big screen though so I tend to catch all the action flicks at my theater. Looking forward to hearing what you think!

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  3. I kind of plan on skipping this one ;) Though you guys make it sound like maybe I should at least Netflix it...

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    1. It's worth a Netflix for sure! :)

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    2. definitely netflix :) just to see the wolf wrestling and dude whacking...

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