Today’s quick review: The Bourne Legacy. After Jason Bourne reveals the existence of the CIA’s Operation Blackbriar, Eric Byer (Edward Norton), one of the program’s architects, hurries to cover up the existence of a group of related programs for training and deploying assassins. Caught in the cover-up are Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), one of the assassins, and Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), the only person who can get him the medication he needs.
The Bourne Legacy is an action thriller and the fourth film in the Bourne series. The Bourne Legacy introduces a new protagonist, Aaron Cross, who must deal with the fallout of Jason Bourne’s actions during the original trilogy. The movie opens the door to an even larger conspiracy, expanding the scope of the CIA programs that gave rise to Bourne. However, its attempts to replicate the success of the previous films fall short.
The Bourne Legacy runs into issues with its plot, pacing, and lead characters. The early part of the movie is spent revisiting the events of The Bourne Ultimatum, as seen from the perspective of Byer and his co-conspirators, leading to a slow start weighed down with exposition. The premise of the movie undercuts Bourne’s accomplishments in the previous film, and neither Aaron nor Marta are compelling enough characters to make the new conspiracy matter.
The Bourne Legacy still has the makings of a decent action thriller, even with these flaws. There’s a fair amount of action, with a focus on the series staples of close-quarters brawling and sprawling chases through urban environments. Aaron Cross is a nice counterpoint to Jason Bourne, at least on paper, a talkative operative who has become dependent on his chemical enhancements. However, his journey isn’t as bold or as meaningful as Bourne’s.
Give The Bourne Legacy a shot when you’re in the mood for action and aren’t too worried about plot. The Bourne Legacy has a fine premise and makes an honest attempt to follow up the original trilogy, but it’s missing the high quality and deft touch of its predecessors. Those interested in a bit of action for its own sake will find it to be a serviceable watch. Those hoping for a worthy successor to the Bourne trilogy will want to give it a pass.
For another action thriller in the same vein, try Shooter or Enemy of the State. For a plot-focused thriller about CIA indiscretions, try Spy Game. For a superhero movie with some of the same elements, try Captain America: The First Avenger or Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good action and a reasonable setup, hurt somewhat by its pacing, characters, and plot decisions.