Jason Bourne (2016)

Jason Bourne is back. Except, he doesn't really need to be. This movie is pumped full of impressive action and more violence and more blood, but I can't get away from the fact that it felt unnecessary.

What is Jason Bourne about?

The CIA's most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past. (from IMDB)

My review of Jason Bourne

The plot is extremely weak. The dialogue is rubbish. With the debatable exception of Bourne, every character is one-dimensional. Despite heart-racing chases and action scenes, those scenes are only really repetitions of sequences we've seen so many times in the previous films.

The cinematography is good, but it never stops to breathe. Soon it just becomes a mess. I had to look away more than once because the camera was all over the place, totally disorganised, and the scenes are blinding as well as untidy. Far too busy.

The new characters are boring and predictable, and the acting isn’t exceptional. Damon gives a solid performance, but as soon as he stops brooding and starts shouting, it feels unnatural and halfhearted. While he’s brooding, however, he does evoke empathy. And makes a good case for his anti-hero; which I couldn't help but feel sorry for.

As for Alicia Vikander, I love her as an actress. She's got excellent talent, but I think she’s miscast in this film. Her presence is refreshing, yet wasted on an unnecessary role that leaves no space for character development, not to mention the character itself is basically just a plot device to prompt conflict.

It’s a gripping story and it’s exciting. But the characters and the plot are pathetic, and I recommend re-watching the previous films if you want some Jason Bourne. And, if you're anything like me and want Jeremy Renner instead, watch The Bourne Legacy.