Bourne Again

I've just watched Bourne Supremacy yesterday. So what did I think about it? It was a good show, though it offered nothing new to the character ( No, I've not read the books. I've been tempted though and actually read the synopsis on the back cover at the local bookshop ). We see Bourne, again had to run blindly trying to find out whats going on, and in the process mess up a few people. In this aspect, the first movie was great. We did not know who Bourne was and it was more satisfying piecing the puzzle together. The action was far better too. In the Bourne Identity, we see Threadstone assasins after Bourne. So we had some good fights and shootouts. Who can forget the amazing down the stairs headshot scene as well. In Bourne Supremacy, there wasn't really any worthy opposition and the action wasn't on par, which was a slight let down.

I did Not Like the shaky camera though. It didn't feel polished, like some low budget movie with only one camera man running behind the whole time. The effect was great in the opening sequence in India. It fitted in perfectly with the crowded populace and gave a sense of confusion as they weaved through India's rural traffic and thronged alleys. However, they kept doing that throughout the movie, in chase scenes, in fight scenes.. everywhere. "Hey you remember the (insert scene here)" "Hell yeah, the camera shaked a whole lot all over the place. Something Big happened" "Yeah!"

1. They over did it
2. Bourne is supposed to be a highly traned Assasin. The Best. Nicky (Julia Stiles) mentioned "They don't make mistakes. Everything they do has a reason and motive". This is evident in his composure. You don't see him panic. He just springs into action. Always calm. Always thinking, improvising. The camera spoils this image. Makes it all look so chaotic.

The much touted car chase in Russia wasn't all too hot either. Bourne was crashing into everything and still kept going, which was highly unrealistic and comical. Either he rammed into other cars or other cars rammed into him. The other cars would be the one to spin out of control or crash. He would just keep on going. Again, I find myself more partial to the Mini chase in Bourne Identity. (On a side note. The Taxi seems to be a BMW with a Skoda logo stuck on? My cousin and a friend who saw the movie with me pointed this out)

If you want to see some really good car chases/races check out BMW Films (hmm more BMW? I guess they are good cars for chase scenes?). There is a series of 8 short films which are directed by some of the top International directors today. Names like Ang Lee, Wong-Kar Wai, John Woo, Ridley Scott comes to mind. If you've never heard or seen of it before, I suggest you pop over now. The downloads are free.

I didn't say it wasn't a good movie. It was. The plot was plausible, the continuity was there. Just Enjoy the story, which I did very much. I can't wait for the third installment. There will then be a bad guy. An arch-nemesis. It would be great to see them pitting wits against each other, or so I hope. This is why I liked the Bourne movies. A hero with brains and a killer instinct. He just seems to act, and later down the line I'd find myself going "Oh, so thats why he did that. Brilliant".