"The Bourne Indentity" Rated PG-13
***.5/*****
A lot of recent movies, war movies especially, have been trite and unoriginal re-creations others that have come before it. Even the fantastic director John Woo failed to bring his unique style and grace to save Windtalkers. Also The Sum of All Fears fails to bring any kind of emotion to its serious plot about nuclear war. Although the Bourne Identity is not really important (as Windtalkers and The Sum of All Fears) could have been) it succeeds.
The prefect word to describe it would be escapist. It's not really about much. Matt Damon washes up on shore with two bullets in his back and doesn't know who he is. It turns out he is a spy. Despite a flimsy and familiar plot, its very fun.
Director Doug Liman (Swingers, Go) provides a lot of style and interesting situations to keep you occupied for two hours. Although Damon cannot remember who he is, he seems to remember all of his old skills. He can speak three languages, knows martial arts, and can size up a room for exits and possible threats in no time. What follows is a well executed, fun, spy thriller. Although the screen play is nothing new, Liman offers a lot to bring to Matt Damon (who seems comfortable in this action role). We could use more movies like this.
