SCOOP: One reader's review of THE BOURNE SUPREMACY

We're sent a "man on the street" advance review of a film

By Patrick Sauriol     July 16, 2004
Source: 'Notre Dame 2000'

While the news department tries to leave the job of reviewing movies up to our able professional film critic, from time to time we're fortunate enough to receive a "man on the street" advance review of a film, be it from a test screening or early preview night. Two days ago one of the latter screenings happened for THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, the second feature to star Matt Damon as secret agent Jason Bourne. Mere hours after the film had been shown to the invite only audience than we had this reader's assessment of the film. Find out why "Notre Dame 2000" dug THE BOURNE SUPREMACY below...

"Last night I attended an NBC-Universal screening in Washington, DC for THE BOURNE SUPREMACY. Producer Frank Marshall introduced the film, and I'll mention that he was a very down-to-earth and friendly guy. He told us that we 'were the first audience to see this movie on film, as we literally finished it at 4AM last Saturday,' Marshall said. After saying that the studio was hoping to do a third BOURNE film, he jokingly mentioned 'that he would happily not be open to any questions involving Matt Damon or Ben Affleck's love-life, or any questions concerning INDIANA JONES 4.

"THE BOURNE SUPREMACY is a sequel in that it adds another layer of plotline onto the first film. This is not merely yet another series of events in the life of Jason Bourne we learn more about the motives of key characters in the first film, and more importantly, a little more information as to who Jason Bourne really is, and things he has done in his past which he cannot remember good and bad. There ARE a few unexpected moments in this movie just to reassure you that there are a couple twists to look forward to.

"The most interesting, and what will be the most discussed, aspect of this movie is the cinematography. Yes, it does look as if someone named Shakey McShakerson was holding the camera for the length of this movie. But I thought this style did nothing but enhance the story, especially for the BOURNE-genre. This film moves at a relentlessly brisk pace! I noticed that the shaking-camera technique gave even the most mundane of scenes a sense of urgency and tension, and was a very good fit for this movie in particular. Sure, on a couple shots the cameraman could have definitely benefited from a tranquilizer dart, but I recall very few shots that remained around long enough for the 'shake-cam' to feel forced, or to call too much attention to itself. Careful editing is necessary for this to work, and I thought they nailed it. Every shot was cut seamlessly to the dialogue and the music. There was a real sense of smoothness to the editing that did nothing but move the film along, bringing the audience more and more into the action. It's definitely a unique style, but it's a style that caters to those who enjoy fast-paced and overwhelmingly tense story. BOURNE SUPREMACY is not a subtle drama but a sludge-hits-the-fan thriller, so this style of presentation for the story on film felt very appropriate.

"I won't go into actor performances since this is a spy thriller, not Shakespearian drama. Everyone did an adequate job for what they were given. I'll note that one scene towards the end shows Matt Damon with a little more emotion then we're normally used to seeing him, and though it was brief it showed that he can definitely stretch his versatility as an actor. The one fairly new presence who stood out in particular was Karl Urban (LORD OF THE RINGS, CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK). He pretty much the serves the assassin/tracker role in the film. His screen presence reminded me very much of Clive Owen's seldom seen character from THE BOURNE IDENTITY. Urban plays a quietly sneering villain that is definitely a thorn in Bourne's side for a majority of the film. I would almost go as far to say that Urban's character had Darth Maulish feel, brandishing a quietly evil physical presence that shows up in several key moments of the film.

"The action was on par, if not slightly above, the first film. We do have a different director this time so the presentation is somewhat different. The editing in the fight scenes and the car chases was very fast. Although you still are able to tell who's kicking whose butt in most of these scenes. Like THE BOURNE IDENTITY, every punch is delivered with a thunderous blast from the speakers, which I personally found to be very entertaining.

"Even though the movie as whole didn't blow me away, one particular scene definitely did. There is a car chase towards the end of the film that builds up to an intensity that I have yet to see on film! The chase lasts around 10 minutes, and yes, much of the first half of this scene resembles the trembling close-up filled camerawork from the San Francisco chase scene from THE ROCK. Although in SUPREMACY, as the scene progresses, the camera gradually pulls back and back, giving us more of the mayhem. It is a gritty, meat and potatoes, CGI-free car chase that seemed to entertain the hell out of the audience. The action in this chase hits such an unbelievable adrenaline-high towards the climax of the scene that the audience broke out in applause afterwards. To give you an idea, if smoking was allowed in the theater we would have seen quite a few folks light up after this sequence.

"Overall this was a very entertaining and intelligent movie. It definitely builds on the plot and mystery of THE BOURNE IDENTITY. I enjoyed that movie a lot so it was no real surprise that I enjoyed the sequel. The main difference between the two is that SUPREMACY has the fast-pacing for the entire film. I did not include any criticism because I didn't think there was much. The movie succeeds in what it tries to be a non-over-the-top spy thriller that serves a perfect balance of plot and action. It doesn't try to aim for the stars, but it definitely comes far from sinking beneath the surface. THE BOURNE SUPREMACY walks on very solid ground for a spy thriller, and I definitely hope they go forward with the third film."

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY opens in theaters on July 23.


['Notre Dame 2000' awoke one day on a beach with no memories of his former life but also with a movie ticket firmly clasped in his hands. The ticket was for GIGLI.]


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