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'!
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
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