The Bourne Legacy (Review)

I came into The Bourne Legacy with essentially no Bourne knowledge, and I think that benefited the viewing experience greatly. Confusion leads to intrigue, I say.

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From the trailer, I deduced that Legacy would be a fine action film, and I was correct. It's easy to be an entertaining action film, but to actually be involving, well, that's a whole other dimension. Once a director ticks that box, the film morphs into a good thriller, and that is my benchmark. 

Although I did not know much about the Bourne series, I was very aware of it, especially because many critics compared it to Salt. Apparently Bourne has the intrigue that Salt lacks; I cannot imagine why anyone would agree, perhaps my lenses are slightly unfocused, but let's roll with it. This might be true for the earlier films, but it surely is not the case with Legacy.

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The beginning of the film is quite intriguing, especially if this is your first Bourne experience. The program itself is quite fascinating, as is the whole conspiracy plot. I have to say, the politics of it all is not dull. I credit this to Edward Norton's emotive blue eyes and authoritative presence. Hollywood is getting it right these days; you do not give expository roles to incompetent actors, you give them to the veterans because they can make something of it. 

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Speaking of talent, Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz are charismatic and magnetic as our leads. Renner has a sharp physique and great acting chops. He also has a radiant and charming smile, which serves to boost his likability. He oozes resourcefulness, and no matter what plan he formulates or how he escapes inescapable scenarios, he is entirely believable. Rachel Weisz projects an air of wide-eyed credulity, which is fitting for a vulnerable, geeky biologist on the run. However, her innocent eyes hint a fiery shade, and as confirmed by Renner's character, she is a warrior. 

Renner slides down the wall of a narrow alley-way, yet another memorable action sequence.

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The film runs for about 135 minutes. The intriguing foundation, built at the start, launches the characters into a full-blown chase. This long chase grants us beautiful scenery, ranging from the icy  summits of Alaska to expansive, aerial views of a hectic Manila at night. The film has a massive budget, and it shows! There is a spectacular sequence where Renner wrestles with a hungry wolf, and an intense shooting spree where Weisz's character is inches from death. These scenes are well-shot, with clear strokes and good spatial coherence. The same applies with the succinct close combat scenes, although there is nothing particularly memorable about Renner's fatal strikes.

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Of course, after the parameters have been defined, there is no intrigue left. It is just a big budget chase scene, but it's an entertaining one. I'm giving it 7/10 (rounded to the nearest whole number). 

P.S. I am writing a piece for Salt soon, no promises, so watch out! I will also be stalking Jeremy Renner via his films, so you will hear more about this charming lad. Love y'all.