[Brian_Murphy1]

Just surprised really....the first 3 Bourne films got very good reviews

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_bourne_legacy/

[theonlyweeman]

10 reviews is hardly conclusive, but given both Matt Damon and the director of the last 2 are missing, it's to be expected really. I'll probably still go see it though.

[Brian_Murphy1]

Still, its not a good sign....

I just had a look and all previous Bournes got very goot reviews, 75+ on RT

[rawr]

I really love the Bourne movies, and I could live with a change in cast/director/whatever, but the genetically enhanced nonsense in the trailer just sounds.... lame?

[Wulfster]

I'll reserve judgement, as I'll definitely be seeing it on the 13th.

The film seems have clear pros and cons...

I'm worried about the lack of Damon and Greengrass. In my opinion, the trilogy was like one long fluid film. Consistent in terms of quality and action. Even the music is consistent and added a lot to them (and I never thought I'd say that about Moby!).

However, I do like Renner, I love Weisz, and the brilliant Joan Allen (Pam) is still in it.

Fingers crossed, but I'll ignore the critics for now ...

[mel_drew]

Haven't had any enthusiasm to see this from the time I heard about it. The absence of Damon kills it for me and I could never avoid the feeling that it was a cynical cashing in on the name.

Okay, same writer. Pam's still there. And there's Treadstone and Blackbriar. But frankly, I was never especially interested in those aspects of the originals. They were peripheral. For me the trilogy was all about Bournes search for himself.

As far as I'm concerned, it was all wrapped up by the end of Ultimatum.

The reviews don't really surprise me.

[Scubamonkey]

I'm seeing a preview screening tomorrow evening, so I shall report back. I loved the Bourne Trilogy, so I am interested in what they do with the reboot.......

[maurice45]

To be objective, I'd rather wait until I've seen it, as I often find that I completely disagree with critics or, indeed, other cinema-goers.

[lala]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjCL5...0&feature=plcp

I quite like the above reviewer. And I'm quite disappointed with his view on the film, so considering the price of a cinema ticket these days, I think I'll wait until it comes out on blu-ray and rent it.

[Scrubber]

Sequels without the original cast are never going to go down smoothly.

[lala]

Didn't Matt Damon turn this down because he thought the script was crap as well? Not a good sign.

[Kal_El]

Originally Posted by lala

Didn't Matt Damon turn this down because he thought the script was crap as well? Not a good sign.

I think it was because the first three were based on the books by the original author, and this isn't. They obviously want to turn it into a Bond style "franchise" (uurgh I hate that word being used in cinema), and I imagine he didn't want to be a part of it while it turns to piss.

[mel_drew]

Originally Posted by lala

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjCL5...0&feature=plcp

I quite like the above reviewer. And I'm quite disappointed with his view on the film, so considering the price of a cinema ticket these days, I think I'll wait until it comes out on blu-ray and rent it.

I haven't come acoss Mr. Stuckman before, but he appears to be enhusiastic and knowledgeable. He seems to confirm my view that this is a cashing in on the Bourne name. In fact, he goes further,stating that it's bland and mediocre, as well as talky and boring.

I fully understand that lots of people will want to form their own impressions, but I don't feel any wish to see it. I'll be interested in what other, non-professional, critics here on DS have to say.

Thanks, lala, for introducing me to Stuckman. I've just watched a few more of his reviews, and he's quite interesting.

[grilli]

Originally Posted by lala

Didn't Matt Damon turn this down because he thought the script was crap as well? Not a good sign.

thought I'd read he has a cameo in it? Empire seem to like it from the podcast, although not checked if theyve reveiwed it yet.

[lala]

Originally Posted by grilli

thought I'd read he has a cameo in it? Empire seem to like it from the podcast, although not checked if theyve reveiwed it yet.

Well the consensus so far seems to be that it isn't a 'terrible' movie, but it isn't any good either. Far less action than advertised, and the plot seems rather too contrived for its own good.


I presume any 'cameo' Matt Damon has in it is presumably a flashback to scenes in the previous trilogy, rather than a brand spanking new secret scene. Although that is just a guess on my part.

[theonlyweeman]

Matt Damon has no cameo appearance and only appears in still image form.

The good news is that is that it's RT percentage keeps creeping up with more reviews posted. I think it will be like Quantum of Solace, enjoyable but at the end you'll forget all about it (and wonder what the hell was going on)...

[lordo350]

Originally Posted by Kal_El

I think it was because the first three were based on the books by the original author, and this isn't. They obviously want to turn it into a Bond style "franchise" (uurgh I hate that word being used in cinema), and I imagine he didn't want to be a part of it while it turns to piss.

Identity was very loosely based, but Supremacy and Ultimatum have no resemblance to the source material at all. Not a criticism though. The movies are great. Would recommend the books though. Identity especially is really good.

This movie did look good, but the one thing that bothered me from the trailers was that it looked like way too many bad guys were going to be in it.
I mean, you have all the guys from Bourne 3, then they are bringing in Stacey Keach and Edward Nortan? Den of Geek say that there is literally no reason for half of them to be there and I knew this would be an issue.
Shame. I really wanted to like this movie, mostly because I really like Jeremy Renner. His popularity is at an all time high after Avengers, and he's very capable.

[dee123]

I'll watch anything when Joan Allen is being a bitch.

(Yes, even the Death Race remake)

[Scubamonkey]

I saw this film last night.... and the overall view is..... it is just ok.

I have to say that the air conditioning in the cinema wasn't working, so whether the heat had a bearing on my restlessness during the film may be a factor, but I did notice I wasn't the only one fidgeting in my seat.

Before I start. I have used the spoiler facility, but even what is contained in there are minor plot points, not things which will give too much away.... up to you whether you view them or not, but there is not that much given away in them.

So was it actually any good. Starting with the cast, I felt that Renner was not charismatic enough to carry the film. Edward Norton did all but phone in his performance and overall the cast were adequate, but nothing special. The direction was very similar in style to Supremacy and Ultimatum at times (especially during the action sequences - with it's fast paced editing, blurred camera work and close ups)There were some good action sequences in it. At times, the fight scenes, chases etc were damn good - in particular

Spoiler

the scene where the CIA try to kill the Doctor and the end scene (a motorbike chase)

However, in my view, the film suffered a bit of an identity crisis, not being sure whether it was an action film or a political thriller - I know that the Bourne films were like that, but the juxtaposition in this film is more blatant.

You do need a little bit of knowledge of the first films, but not much at all - as long as you appreciate the premise that the US government have a number of secret projects with agents in the field, then you are there!

The major points for me is that the film was very unevenly paced, and just when you though it got going, it stalled. There was some cracking action set piece only for the story to wind down for some talking, and the story seemed to be there solely to tie the action pieces together. The film was over-long and could have been a much better film for being 25 mins shorter.

The other point was that the story was flimsy and contained a nonsense plot about

Spoiler

genetically modifying soldiers

The reality is that this didn't need to be a Bourne film - it could have been any old action film as a standalone effort, but they have just thrown in a few references to the Bourne films and carried on a franchise. It was a bit disjointed and the story seemed to develop not for the purposes of progressing the story itself, but just to set up the next set piece of action. It was not as intelligent as the previous films.

Spoiler

The Bond franchise theory put forward by people is pretty evident, especially at the end of the film

So there you have it. I have not read any other reviews of the film, so don't know if they are saying the same as me, but in summary, it was ok, could have been a lot better, faster paced and had a better lead. The action sequences were pretty good, but overall a bit of a missed opportunity.

When it was good, it was good, but the parts in between the good bits were too long and too many in number....

Oh, and does Matt Damon make an appearance in it as Bourne.....?

Spoiler

I'm not telling you.....

[Inspiration]

Being a big fan of the franchise I was never that happy with the idea of this movie being made. In a way I'm sort of glad it isn't becoming a box office hit because that may well leave the door open for a Matt Damon/Greengrass return at some point. Had this movie done well I doubt that would have been possible. I just hope they've not trashed the franchise all together. I felt there was at least one more movie in it for Matt Damon.. I'd still like to see them make one.

[dee123]

Originally Posted by Scubamonkey

I saw this film last night.... and the overall view is..... it is just ok.

I have to say that the air conditioning in the cinema wasn't working, so whether the heat had a bearing on my restlessness during the film may be a factor, but I did notice I wasn't the only one fidgeting in my seat.

Before I start. I have used the spoiler facility, but even what is contained in there are minor plot points, not things which will give too much away.... up to you whether you view them or not, but there is not that much given away in them.

So was it actually any good. Starting with the cast, I felt that Renner was not charismatic enough to carry the film. Edward Norton did all but phone in his performance and overall the cast were adequate, but nothing special. The direction was very similar in style to Supremacy and Ultimatum at times (especially during the action sequences - with it's fast paced editing, blurred camera work and close ups)There were some good action sequences in it. At times, the fight scenes, chases etc were damn good - in particular

Spoiler

the scene where the CIA try to kill the Doctor and the end scene (a motorbike chase)

However, in my view, the film suffered a bit of an identity crisis, not being sure whether it was an action film or a political thriller - I know that the Bourne films were like that, but the juxtaposition in this film is more blatant.

You do need a little bit of knowledge of the first films, but not much at all - as long as you appreciate the premise that the US government have a number of secret projects with agents in the field, then you are there!

The major points for me is that the film was very unevenly paced, and just when you though it got going, it stalled. There was some cracking action set piece only for the story to wind down for some talking, and the story seemed to be there solely to tie the action pieces together. The film was over-long and could have been a much better film for being 25 mins shorter.

The other point was that the story was flimsy and contained a nonsense plot about

Spoiler

genetically modifying soldiers

The reality is that this didn't need to be a Bourne film - it could have been any old action film as a standalone effort, but they have just thrown in a few references to the Bourne films and carried on a franchise. It was a bit disjointed and the story seemed to develop not for the purposes of progressing the story itself, but just to set up the next set piece of action. It was not as intelligent as the previous films.

Spoiler

The Bond franchise theory put forward by people is pretty evident, especially at the end of the film

So there you have it. I have not read any other reviews of the film, so don't know if they are saying the same as me, but in summary, it was ok, could have been a lot better, faster paced and had a better lead. The action sequences were pretty good, but overall a bit of a missed opportunity.

When it was good, it was good, but the parts in between the good bits were too long and too many in number....

Oh, and does Matt Damon make an appearance in it as Bourne.....?

Spoiler

I'm not telling you.....

Thanks for the review. I was worried about Norton. He's been phoning most roles in for a few years now.

[Scubamonkey]

Originally Posted by dee123

Thanks for the review. I was worried about Norton. He's been phoning most roles in for a few years now.

I agree - his performance is perfectly adequate, but his stuff of late has been a long way from American History X

[MrSuper]

Originally Posted by dee123

Thanks for the review. I was worried about Norton. He's been phoning most roles in for a few years now.

If you think he's been phoning in his roles then you need to watch Moonrise Kingdom and Leaves of Grass. The problem with Norton is that he's one of the best actors out there, but he just doesn't make as many movies as he used to. If he made more on a regular basis he would still be very highly regarded.

[mintchocchip]

Originally Posted by MrSuper

If you think he's been phoning in his roles then you need to watch Moonrise Kingdom and Leaves of Grass. The problem with Norton is that he's one of the best actors out there, but he just doesn't make as many movies as he used to. If he made more on a regular basis he would still be very highly regarded.

But there's a reason he doesn't make as many roles as he used to in that he's allegedly a bit of a pain to work with. It's a shame.

[MrSuper]

Empire have given it 2/5. Not looking good but i'll go see it for myself as i'm a fan of the original trilogy.