The Bourne Legacy

With the success of the Bourne trilogy behind them, it was inevitable that talk would turn to a forth entry to the series - be it sequel, prequel or remake. Thankfully writer/director Tony Gilroy (writer of the previous three Bourne movies) opted for something different. A sequel of sorts, The Bourne legacy does exactly as it's title suggests - and honors that which came before.

It would've been a mistake to ignore the previous trilogy. In an intelligent move, Gilroy has chosen to dive back in to the world of TREADSTONE/BLACK BRIAR et al and show the consequences of Jason Bournes actions from Identity and Supremacy.
As he did with The Bourne Ultimatum, Gilroy again shows how quickly things can move - with events in Legacy running parallel to that of Ultimatum. Both films have a palpable immediateness to them, with time always a factor for their protagonists.

Legacy focuses on a different agent and a different programme - all be it, still within the halls of American Intelligence. Jeremy Renner plays Aaron Cross, an agent of OUTCAST - a development programme looking to breed super-soldiers for the United States.
Cross is suitably athletic, intelligent and has a grounded yet worldly quality about him - not unlike Bourne. Cross is not without his memory though and consequently the audience is taken on a different journey this time.
From the opening scene we know that Cross is on medication. As soon as he is targeted for extermination, gaining access to his 'CHEMS' proves problematic. Cross finds help in the form of Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) - a developer and student of this new science, not to mention a target herself.
Coming off these particular drugs cold turkey is an unpleasant and dangerous exercise - which leads Cross and Shearing to locate the manufacturing house and keep Cross in the lifestyle to which he's become accustomed.

Renner and Weisz are great together - and for my money, are always very watchable. Along with new-comer Edward Norton, they are supported by many a familiar face - peppered throughout proceedings. Scott Glenn, Albert Finney, David Strathairn and Joan Allen all make appearances - cementing their status as integral cogs in the Bourne machine.

I think this is a great way to approach a sequel. The Bourne Legacy is it's own animal, but feels a part of something larger.
Like Bond before it, I believe the Bourne films could run and run - yet having this linear connection throughout sets it apart and allows the audience to invest in a series of films, rather than just one at a time. In order to successfully do this, it's important that key-players return - from creators to cast and crew.
Having already established himself as a director of note with Michael Clayton, Gilroy again proves he can write and stage dialogue and character-driven moments with ease. With The Bourne Legacy he proves he's no slouch in the action department either.
From time to time Gilroy and his team were nudging the curb of believability for me, but over-all they did succeeded in making the action inventive and visceral. Here's hoping they don't jump the curb and send the franchise flying with any possible follow-up!

Jason Bourne was not forgotten with The Bourne Legacy - and nor should current successor Aaron Cross. Those leaving the theatre with a smile will undoubtedly be thinking, 'TEAM-UP'!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: www.shortlist.com

The Last Boy 'Scott'!

I was shocked and saddened to hear that director Tony Scott had died last weekend. As a tribute to a very talented individual (and inspiration to many), I wanted to take a look at three of my favourite Tony Scott films - from what was a prolific and illustrious career.

Being a self-professed movie fanatic, I tend to revisit movies many times over. In most cases and particularly with more adult fair, there's the opportunity see a movie a fresh (and not as you may have remembered it growing up).
I revisited the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy not long ago. I hadn't seen the third entry (disappointing) and was keen to revisit the first two again.
Tony Scott's sequel is by far the best of the series. One must give props to the original for introducing us to Axel Foley and co - and the film does boast some classic scenes. As an action film however, it's comparatively geriatric!
Having crafted one of the best adrenaline-fuelled classics with Top Gun, Scott injected the series with much needed gusto. Scott was known for his expertise with pacing and generating tension and this is clearly felt.

Interestingly, Scott was somewhat intimidated by Eddie Murphy and the prospect of making a comedy. Coincidentally, the comedy elements serve to keep the tension taught - something Scott would go on to master with the two other films on my list.
Scott's signature visual style is evident, making the movie undeniably his. Too often, slow motion, lens filters and a bombastic editing style are used as a stylistic quick fix. Scott used these techniques to service his movies - putting the emphasis on story and creating mood for his characters to pass through.
The result is a fresh and vibrant action comedy - putting current examples of the genre to shame!

4/5

Literally a day or two before I heard the news of Scott's passing I was quoting the, 'Your wife's so fat...' lines from this classic!
Admittedly it's Shane Blacks script that elevates this particular film, but as Scott would go on to prove time and again, he was the ring-leader that repeatedly gave life to that which was on the page.
The Last Boy Scout was another action-comedy which united Bruce Willis with Damon Wayans as an ex-secret service agent, turned private detective and an ex-football player, respectively. Both wondering where it all went wrong in life, the pair unite to avenge fallen friends and lovers - finding redemption for themselves along the way.

The script was smart and hilarious - and the action came thick and fast! All of Scott's aforementioned techniques were utilised. Again, one needn't see the credits to know who was directing!
Interestingly, both this and the final movie on my list paired Scott with two of the best screenwriters in the business - certainly the two most steeped in popular culture and filmic lore.
Ultimately this made Scott one of the great collaborators. He would go on to help many a young film-maker put their projects out in to the world - with producing partner and brother, Ridley Scott.
The Last Boy Scout stands as a benchmark for action-comedies. If you're one of the few who haven't seen it yet, I must implore you to seek it out. It's endlessly entertaining - and then some!

5/5

True Romance is my favourite Tony Scott film - it's a classic which would certainly be in my top 15!

From beginning to end it's whip-smart, entertaining and creative - and never once veers from it's simple plot. 

Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette (never better) fall instantaneously in love, after one night together. From there, they seek to better their lot in order to remain together forever.

Their get-rich-quick scheme sees them stumble upon a suitcase full of cocaine, which they plan to sell in order to live out their collective dream.

However, the owner of the drugs and his boss (plus a number of other affiliates) have other plans - and intercept the lovers on their quest.

Slater and Arquette carry the film incredibly well - especially considering their support. The film boasts a who's-who of magnificent supporting talent including; Christopher Walken, Gary Oldman and Dennis Hopper.

As with The Last Boy Scout, Scott had another terrific script to work from, this time by Quentin Tarantino. Shane Black may have the edge on wit, but there's no denying Tarantino's superior knowledge of film traits and popular culture.

The scene which stands out for me (and one which has been heralded time and again as a classic) is the interrogation scene between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper. This scene is so compelling, one could be forgiven for thinking they're actually in the movie - hiding in that caravan somewhere! The dialogue is great, the actors, pitch-perfect and the mood, chilling. 

It's been said that Walken and Hopper bought more to the scene than what was on the page, finding themselves improvising throughout rehearsal - and bringing more maniacal laughter to the scene. Again, Scott shows what a great collaborator he was here, allowing two master craftsmen to do their thing, immersed in a world he so lovingly created.

5/5

Tony Scott was involved in several projects at the time of his death, with a sequel to Top Gun a likely prospect - which would've been fun! 

There was talk of Scott bringing Nemesis to the screen (the Mark Millar comic, where the villain takes centre stage). This was an obvious pairing - and a project I was hoping would come to fruition. 

Last I heard, directing chores had fallen to Joe Carnahan. Interestingly Scott was producer on Carnahan's last picture, The Grey. 

Whether the ball stays in Carnahan's court is uncertain, however as an obvious successor to Scott (a director of action with his own signature style), he would certainly be at the top of my list.

I could go on and talk about numerous other films Scott directed (Crimson Tide and Man on Fire stand out). Instead I'm going to pop down to my local video shop and sit and enjoy the hell out of his back catalogue!

Illustrated images courtesy: www.sketchesnatched.blogspot.com.au

It's not clear who this guy or girl is, but do check out the site for more of the same - incredible images (yes, I wish I'd done them)!