"The Bourne Legacy" is probably one of the most appropriate titles to a film in recent history, especially when you consider the true legacy that the "Bourne" films have created. First, the original trilogy is one of the best known spy-thrillers around. In addition to this, the films have successfully done what 99% of trilogies fail to do...create sequels that are both critically and financially more successful than the predecessors.
After "The Bourne Ultimatum" was released in back in 2007, many thought that the series would end after a third very entertaining finale. Yet, five years later the series is back on the silver screen, with a couple of very obvious changes.
So how does "The Bourne Legacy" fit into the universe created by Matt Damon's famous character? Does newcomer Jeremy Renner succeed in filling in for Damon and does the film overall live up to its name? These are all questions people will be asking and I am happy to answer them for you.
It's very easy to guess around what the plot revolves from the title and, well, it's pretty straightforward. The film is indeed about Jason Bourne's legacy and more specifically, how his actions are effecting the rest of the special ops forces. Now we know about Treadstone and Operation Blackbriar from the previous films but there is yet another black-ops division that we have not been introduced to...until now.
Aaron Cross (Renner) is an agent in a program called Operation Outcome. The point of this group is kept a mystery for the majority of the film but one thing becomes clear very quickly and it won't be good for Cross. Thanks to Jason Bourne's exposing of top secret government information, the CIA brings in Eric Byer (Edward Norton) to help find a solution to the problem. His answer is simple, wipe out the program completely which includes burning files, ceasing operations, and of course, killing all the agents like Aaron Cross.
With the entire CIA on the hunt, Cross finds an ally in Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) who he believes can answer some questions about Operation Outcome that have been kept a secret from him. Together they depart on a dangerous trip across countries where they can trust no one and have only one goal in mind...to survive.
Right off the bat you know that you are watching a "Bourne" film from the music, the shooting style, and the familiar faces from past films. I really appreciated how the filmmakers made sure to remind the viewers that this is a continuation of a previous story rather than a total reboot of a franchise. I also liked how this film takes place at the same time as "The Bourne Ultimatum" adding even more to the feeling that we are still in Jason Bourne's world.
But this feeling also has a down side to it which is the sad reality that Matt Damon's title character is nowhere to be found in this new installment. Granted, people knew from the first trailer that Matt Damon would not be returning to the series but there is still some disappointment to be felt when the film is finished. Part of the problem was that I did not feel the same emotional connection with Aaron Cross as I did with Jason Bourne. Bourne was a man who had completely lost his memory, had no idea why everyone was trying to kill him, and had his girlfriend shot just when we thought there would be a happy ending. Cross on the other hand just comes across as another secret agent who is good at kicking butt.
Now with the said, Jeremy Renner does a great job in this role. Earlier this summer, Renner proved that he was capable of dishing out some damage as Hawkeye in "The Avengers" and he brings that same action-movie charisma to "The Bourne Legacy." One moment he is ruthless and deadly, and the next he is friendly and easy-going. There are many sides to Cross that Jeremy Renner shows and overall, he gave it his best effort to carry this big franchise on his shoulders.
On the other side of the plot, Edward Norton does a great job as the villain hunting Cross down. As a character that is calm and collected, yet not afraid to lay down the law, he pulls off quite the menacing antagonist.
Of course, no "Bourne"is complete without the series' signature action. My favorite is the close quarters hand-to-hand combat that is once again shot beautifully, with the cameras practically inside the action, and made me gasp in excitement with every take down. And don't forget about the chase scenes! Like every other film in the series, "Legacy" features a big chase sequence through highways and alley, on foot and on wheels, and the whole thing features some great stunt work.
Looking back on "The Bourne Legacy," it includes all of the same elements of all the other films. It has the same music, many of the same actors, the same great fight and chase scenes, and the same twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The only thing that is truly different is the lead actor, and I am ok with that. Renner does a good enough job of capturing the audience into this new tale, and with the filmmakers making you feel right at home in this familiar universe, I think it's safe to say the the legacy of Jason Bourne will live on (but please let Jason Bourne and Aaron Cross team up for a sequel)! I give it three stars out of four.
"The Bourne Legacy has a running time of 135 minutes and is rated PG-13 for violence and action sequences.
