Bourne Free
The Bourne Supremacy
Review by Ross Anthony

This is the sequel to "The Bourne Identity," which, in fact, was a pretty good film. "Supremacy" (I have no idea why they chose that term) plays off "Identity," but still enjoys keeping its audience as confused as Bourne himself. The sequel is a puzzle, and you'll no doubt be a bit in the dark whether or not you've seen the first film. That said, "not knowing" is fun, trying to figure out what exactly is going on -- brings you into the film. Finding the answers at the pace of the lead character solidifies our sympathy to him.

Speaking of pace, both "Identity" and "Supremacy" are great examples of a strong vital pumping pace. When the action subsides, the tension rises. The action itself is brazen, unforgiving, gritty. While over-the-top special effects riddle other action films, the "Bournes" make their action believable -- seemingly pure of computer generated tricks.

Kudos to the writer and director for weaving a plot line that tangents away from the Hollywood formula. This film actually climaxes fifteen to twenty minutes prior to its conclusion. Following that climax is a resolution that has a mini dramatic arc of its own -- really another sort of "bonus climax." This is no small accomplishment -- it works!

Great acting, strong direction, tight script. The film has no warm fuzzy message, you won't feel enriched after viewing, but it does what it promises -- gives great tense drama and action. On the down side, the jerky-cam style proves to be a bit too jerky. Unfortunately, this annoyance drops the overall entertainment grade from an A- to a B+.

(This film viewed at a Krikorian Theatre.)


  • The Bourne Supremacy. Copyright © 2004.
  • Starring Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Karl Urban, Gabriel Mann, Marton Csokas, Tom Gallop.
  • Directed by Paul Greengrass.
  • Screenplay by Tony Gilroy.
  • Produced by Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Paul L. Sandberg at Universal/MP Theta/Ludlum.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:19:27 PDT