The Bourne Identity meets the Pink Panther!
589630
Great action movie - never slows down! It's the Bourne Identity meets the Pink Panther. Lots of intrigue and lots of fun!
1605132
This film is loosely based upon Robert Ludlum's book "The Bourne Identity". It is not a faithful adaptation nor is it intended to be. The book was just a springboard for something a little different. Having read the book and loved it, I also really enjoyed this movie. They are both excellent. Each forges its own path and entertains in its own way.

The plot is simple, or so it seems. A man is found in the ocean with two bullets in his back. He is rescued by a trawler of Italian fishermen. When he regains total consciousness, he has no idea who he is or what he was doing that caused him to be floating in the ocean in the condition in which he had been. He shortly discovers his name to be Jason Bourne, and it appears that a great many people are trying to kill him, though for what purpose he has no idea.

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) also discovers that he has some unusual gifts and automatic, instinctive responses in certain situations. It turns out that he is a natural "Bourne" killer (pun intended). Jason teams up with a German expatriate named Maria (Franka Potente), and together they run into some heavy duty action, as they run for their lives. Meanwhile, a team of CIA trained assassins, dispatched by Bourne's boss, a CIA honcho named Conklin (Chris Cooper), are hot on the plucky couple's trail. There are a number of stunts and action scenes that are guaranteed to make one's palms start to sweat.

Matt Damon, looking very buff, portrays Bourne as an intelligent, resourceful character with a core of goodness imbedded in his assassin's psyche. He is simply terrific. Franka Potente is good as the free spirited Maria, who is also resourceful and Jason's love interest in the film, though, quite frankly, very few sparks fly between them. Chris Cooper is excellent as Bourne's boss, Conklin. He is coldly efficient and brutal in his mop-up operation. Unlike Bourne, he lacks that core of goodness.

This is an action packed, inventive, spy thriller that will hold the viewer in its thrall. This film revives that genre of film that was beginning to get a little stale. Kudos to Damon for giving the viewer something fresh and entertaining in this genre. This is a film that is well worth having in one's personal collection.
2176286
The first of the cinematic Jason Bourne trilogy (from the Ludlum books) introduces a hero (?) who, quite literally, has to find himself. Damon plays Bourne, who we meet half-dead, floating around in the ocean, shot in the back and miraculously recovered by career fishermen. When he comes to, he doesn't remember who he is ...

... but he does remember how to fight, play spy, break into and out of places, and--of course--kill. Jason Bourne is targeted by the CIA for elimination before he can even rightly appreciate his natural talents. And so goes the setup: Bourne must unravel the mystery of his identity while simultaneously evading government-sponsored assassination. Along the way, he befriends the cutest woebegone gypsy he can find in the American embassy. Naturally--wouldn't be a spy movie without the babe, now, would it?

But the Bourne identity works because, for the most part, it plays against the sleek, stylish, type-form of the spy film generated by the Bond franchise. Apart from two scenes of sheer impossibility, the action, and the plot, in this film seem very genuine: a down-in-the-dirt, nasty, and very convincing thriller. The car chase alone, where vehicles slowly crunch into each other instead of erupting into fireballs or being catapulted into flying helicopters, was refreshingly realistic.

Good stuff.

(This review has been posted by Marcus Damanda, author of the vampire book "Teeth: A Horror Fantasy.")
203818
Even though the trailers for this movie were somewhat vague, I was intrigued enough to want to see it (Bruce Willis being in it was also a big plus for me!) Knowing the plot of the movie in no way prepared me for the actual storyline. Though some parts of it were a bit slow, I was blown away nonetheless. The relationship between Willis' character and his son's was realistic in the way that the director portrayed the desperation with which the son clings to his father(Willis). Willis and his wife (Robin Wright Penn) bring their character's failing marriage to life. You feel the awkwardness that surrounds them. Samuel L. Jackson plays his character with all the seriousness and flair in which he is famous for. The idea that there are real superheroes and villians living amongst us isn't as farfetched as it sounds (especially not after Jackson explains this theory to Willis!) The way Willis' character discovers and uses his newfound super-hero's gift is a heart-racing/heart-stopping scene; One of the best scenes in the movie! What I found to be completely mind-blowing was the ending, which ties everything together and gives the explanation for the rest of the story. It was a perfect ending!! This is definitely a MUST-SEE movie!!
746964
In this second installment in the Spider-Man franchise, Peter Parker has his back against the wall as he tries to juggle life as a student, being best friends with Mary Jane Watson, carrying the guilt of his uncle's death, freelancing for the Daily Bugle, delivering pizza, and, of course, being ever on-call as your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man.

No matter how hard he tries, Peter just can't seem to balance everything at once and the constant sacrifices he makes in his personal life so he can help others wears him down . . . down . . . down . . . until he can't take it anymore and his spider-powers begin to change.

Then vanish.

The timing couldn't have been worse, either, because Dr. Otto Octavius's energy device backfired and has fused four robotic arms to his body, their AI worming its way into his brain, controlling him. All they care about is fulfilling their purpose and they don't care who they have to hurt to recreate the device they were made for.

Dr. Octopus's (Doc Ock) rampage through New York is met with little resistance until our favorite web-slinger attempts to take him on.

This movie thrills the inner fanboy much more than its predecessor and officially is my favorite so far in the Spider-Man series. This flick carries near start-to-finish classic superhero goodness: stellar aerial battles, eye-popping web-slinging, dual identity troubles, nerd-can't/won't-get-the-girl issues, a hardcore villain bent on his mark, trials, sacrifice--all crammed into a little over two-hour movie. But the pacing works and doesn't feel over cluttered at all.

You feel for Peter Parker every minute of this film, both when he's at the top of his game and when he's at the bottom, and when he loses his spider-powers, your heart sinks and you cry out, "No! Not Peter! His powers are part of who he is. How can you take them away?"

Tobey Maguire was extremely believable in this film and brought a real depth to Parker that--though was present in the first one--really shone through in this one. And Alfred Molina as Doc Ock? Such duality. When you first meet Otto Octavius, he genuinely seems like a nice guy, an almost fatherly figure in a way, but when he loses his project and those he cares about, things switch and he barely resembles the man he once was. Yet deep within, you see him struggling against the mechanical arms that have taken over his body and mind.

J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson was hilarious as always, and Kirsten Dunst as MJ--there was more maturity in the character this time around and though she still acted kind of "high school-ish," you also saw someone struggling with who they were--more specifically, trying desperately to reach out to the man she's fallen for but who is pushing her away.

Spider-Man 2 thrilled me to pieces. I was there on opening night and I left the theatre all smiles and in a state of disbelief at how downright cool it was. I wasn't sure if it would top the first one because most sequels--till that point because the Superman movies and the previous set of Batman films were pretty much what we had to go on except for X2--usually don't nail it like the first one.

I was proven wrong.

This movie rocked so hard I went back a couple more times and bought it on DVD as soon as I could.

Check this flick out. You're in for an amazingly cool, web-slinging good time.

Recommended.

A.P. Fuchs
Canister X
158675
2007's "The Kingdom" opens with a prologue sketching the US relationship with its ally the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a major source of both oil and Islamic radicalism.  The movie properly begins in a "Little America" housing compound in Saudi Arabia, where we become uncomfortably aware of an impending terrorist attack. The attack itself is horrific, killing dozens of Americans and Saudis, and seemingly involving members of the Saudi police guarding the compound.

FBI Special Agent Fleury (a steely-eyed Jamie Foxx) works a deal to get his Evidence Response Team into Saudi Arabia over State Department objections.  On the long flight over, we are introduced to Fleury's team: forensic expert Janet Mayes (a stalwart Jennifer Garner), explosives expert Grant Sykes (played with good-old-boy charm by Chris Cooper), and computer expert Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman).

Their escort on the ground is Saudi Police Colonel Faris Al Ghazi (an agonized and movie-stealing performance by Ashraf Barhoum) who has been directed to keep the team alive and get them out of Saudi Arabia as soon as media needs have been met.  However, Fleury and his team are here to solve the crime, and they gradually win the trust of COL Al Ghazi and his assistant Sergeant Haythem (Ali Suliman).  Together, they begin to track down the killer, a murderous local terrorist cell leader.

The atmosphere of the movie is brooding and intense, even claustrophic, as the team unravels the crime under a relentless sun, surrounded by Saudis of uncertain allegiance.  Their increasing success draws retaliation from the terrorists.  In a shocking freeway ambush, one of their number is kidnapped.  The survivors and COL Al Ghazi set off in hot pursuit, ending up in a dense urban neighborhood owned by the terrorists.  The ensuing gunfight is the payoff scene of the movie, a breathless sequence made even more intense by some superb cinimatography.

Director Peter Berg for the most part avoided the temptation to politicize the movie.  An awkward attempt to suggest that violence begats violence is undercut by the stark moral differences between the FBI Team and their Saudi Police allies, and the murderous terrorists.

The widescreen DVD includes deleted scenes that provide some useful exposition on how the team got into Saudi Arabia.  A separate feature breaks down the fast-moving climatic gunfight.  This movie is highly recommended as an intense and well crafted action thriller.
4664365
Back in 2002, the world was introduced to Jason Bourne.  Some of us knew who he was based on the novels written by Robert Ludlum.  I hadn't ever heard of the books at the time, but a friend of mine was all about them and so we went to the movies and he was disappointed and I was engrossed.  Apparently, the movie was A LOT different than the novels, (I've still yet to read the books), but it didn't matter much to me (or the movie going public).  Even my friend had to admit after he had time to settle that the film, as a whole, was pretty much everything it promised to be.

Slick, gritty and engrossing, `The Bourne Identity' springboards a great trilogy that only got more established and more entangled with each new thread.  Now, I have not seen the new Bourne film (with the overrated Renner) but it's not really a Bourne film, so it doesn't count.  Damon is superb in the role, perfectly guarded and mysterious while maintaining his genuine charm throughout.  He is a true movie star here, balancing skill with charisma to create a character we want to watch.  Damon understands shading Bourne's amnesia and he does so in a way that feel genuine.  In fact the whole mystery is worked out rather brilliantly here (and in the subsequent films).

For fans of action films, this is a must see.  Compared to the sequels, this film doesn't pack as much of a punch.  It lacks the chaotic energy that Greengrass brought to the series (although I applaud this films use of editing far more than the spastic cuts in `Supremacy') but it grounds the story and tells us something very intriguing and very impactful.  It stands up even ten years later.
3993317
Reading this book is like watching a fast-paced movie!  The mystery is better than Da Vinci Code, and the action is better than Bourne Identity.  Female readers will not be disappointed either, as I'm sure nobody would mind some steamy romance between our heroine Zoe and hero Ry.
3379306
My wife knowing my love of this character, picked this up at Costco for me, which I read in a day and a half (couldn't put it down !). That being said and having read the other reviews, it is fair to say that you will either love it or hate it. One thing both sides will agree on is that it is a convoluted, multi-leveled, mind bender, that has all the hall marks of the Jason Bourne books and movies. In my final analysis I give it a 4.5 out of 5.0 as it does to a great degree copy the original, just in a more modern version and there are these errors that others have pointed out that we, as devoted followers, do not deserve if plonking down hard earned dollars. Other than that, never a dull moment, but Eric be advised your free ride on the coat tails is over.
1107416
Spooks: The Greater Good is the feature film continuation of the hit British series that goes by the same name (or MI-5 outside of the UK). The story focuses on a new agent who must work to defend London from a terrorist plot. While Spooks looks to be another entry in the modern spy genre, it definitely has its own feel and tone. That feel and tone relies heavily on Dominic Lewis really great score that decided to both embrace the genre as well as set itself apart with its unique soundscape.

Spooks is not heavy on action, but it does bring the intensity and the grit all done with a touch of elegance on the way back burner. This is more of an espionage modern day thriller. Lewis approached it by really using electronics to shape the score, but took an organic and analog approach to it. So instead of just making the computer do the work, Lewis went ahead and recorded things like phone dial tones and dialup modems then went to work processing them. He also recorded mouse clicks and other organic sounds, and built percussion and textures out of them. So while the score incorporates the technological world we live in, it was built the old-fashioned way. The thematic and melodic approach makes it quite engaging and graspable. Lewis brings in some bold cello strokes to add intensity and weight, while the electronic textures fill up the rest of the space. Even in the scores quiet moments, there is some heavy leg work being done. It carries the suspense and the builds are working hard to keep it there even if the score takes a step back to leave some air in the room. There is just enough of an emotional current too to make the score really connect and make this another impressive outing from Dominic Lewis who proves once again hes at the cream of the crop of a new generation of composers.

In a world thats either Bond or Bourne, its nice to see a different spy genre entry that makes an effort to be its own thing. While the show itself got some criticism for being to Bourne-like, it still ran for 10 seasons. And now this feature film continuation is able to stand on its own thanks to the bold and characteristically unique score from Dominic Lewis. While most people outside of the UK may never ever see Spooks, the score should give you a great way to jump in.
197414
A well-paced actioner featuring the main characters from THE ENEMY WITHIN, Col Peter Thorn and the FBI's Helen Gray. This time a plane carrying UN weapons inspectors crashes in Russia, and investigations lead to the trail  of blackmarket tactical nuclear warheads for sale . . . and what interest  does a Saudi prince have in these weapons? The outcome may be predictable  and the characters may seem like they have leapt out from a LETHAL WEAPON  movie, but the strengths of this book are the story, the research behind  the weapons themselves and how they could be transported into the US and a  good, fast-pacing and simple prose. The action scenes are undeniably  entertaining, and the bit that made me laugh was the bad guy's last word  before being shot . . . Noooooooo! That is sooo Hollywood! In fact, why  hasn't this(or any other of Larry Bond's novels, for that matter) been made  into a movie yet?
4187190
Brilliant concept and effects. Gives a whole new take on spy movies. Taron Egertons breakthrough performance is stellar! To think he went on to Eddie The Eagle after this...his talents are multifarious. Love The Golden Circle as well. Cant wait for the next installment. Im enamored by this franchise!
2073230
This is an excellent motion-picture. It is flawlessly edited and moves very gracefully! I was never that enamoured with the Matt Damon"Bourne's"!!Jeremy renner is excellent as is Rachel Weisz!!
1574088
I picked up an early copy of this from my local DVD vendor.  Kevin Bacon and Djimon Hounsou are obviously the big draw here.
Straight to DVD fair is getting better and better as of late, and this one is no exception.  The DVD is a bare bones affair no bells and whistles, but the direction, cinematography, sound and foley work is all top notch, and the acting is stellar!  The story is of Hounsou who it's alluded to as being a USA government agent who is on a holiday in Bangkok and moonlighting as a hired gun.  He is hired by a desperate father to avenge his daughter, and all hell breaks loose.  Hounsou is a strong lead, and dominates the screen.  Kevin Bacon plays an old acquaintance of Djimon's character and a weapons dealer in Bangkok, a very solid supporting role to say the least.  And Jirantanin Pitakporntrakul, in her debut role is creepy and radiant simultaneously.  Prachya Pinkaew, whom I've been a big fan of since his film "CHOCOLATE" has done it again providing his fans with the best in fight choreography and fun fast paced action sequences.
The story though not completely original has enough original aspects to it to keep you wrapped in it's threads for the thrill ride that this movie is.  White Elephant is a white knuckled thrill ride that is action packed and bloody as hell.  It's not for the faint of heart..but hits the spot for all of us action fans...and is an awesome addition to Prachya Pinkaew's filmography and another step toward cinematic immortality for this growing and very active director.
2842294
Terrifying and terrific facelift is given to Franklin J. Schaffner's brilliant 1968 original starring Charlton Heston (who has a great cameo in this one). Mark Wahlberg is the reluctant astronaut who crash lands on a mysterious alien planet that turns out to be ruled by genetically advanced apes who talk, reason and viciously rule the humans around them. Helena Bonham Carter is brilliant as the aristocratic ape who feels the humans deserve equal rights, and Tim Roth couldn't be more effective as the power hungry general who fascisticly rules Ape City with an iron fist, determined to keep humans under his control forever. Wahlberg, however, changes all that, boiling the film down to a fantastic battle climax and a shock ending that while shamelessly leaving miles of room for a sequel is spine-tingling all the same. Perhaps not as politically poignant as the original version, this one still cannot be accused of dumbing down the story in any way; rather, it does a very good job of addressing different issues (zeal for power) than the ones that were controversial subjects upon its original's release (civil rights, not that those aren't important anymore, just not as contestable). Tim Burton does for this story what he so beautifully did for both the first two Batman movies and Sleepy Hollow.
3153151
I purchased "The Gun Seller' after becoming quite infatuated with Hugh Laurie after discovering him in his excellent new FOX series, 'House'...and let me tell you, I was *not* disappointed. 'The Gun Seller' is part first-rate thriller/part hilarious spy spoof and pure intelligent fun to boot. Thomas Lang is the thoroughly likeable very British hero of the novel, an ex Scots Guard turned hired gun with morals who is offered a serious chunk of change to murder an American businessman. He turns the offer down and chooses to warn the would-be victim instead, and quickly finds himself drawn into a world filled with rogue CIA agents, evil billionaires and wannabe terrorists, plus the occasional lovely femme fatale with an attitude. Lang soon finds himself risking it all to rescue a lady he finds himself quickly falling for and hopefully preventing an international bloodbath in the process I read this novel on my breaks at work, and earned more than a few weird looks because of all the giggling, LOL, but it was well worth it!
1369043
Okay, so, full disclosure, I worked on this film. I was a stand-in and photo-double for JC and was kindly given a silent bit with SM in the airport. It was the best working experience of my life. That being said, I still believe that I can look at this film objectively. It's a good film. I have really enjoyed watching it and I've seen it several times. I think it is actually better than the first one. The sight gags work very well. Martin does a good job portraying Clouseau and excels in the expressions and physical mannerisms of the character. The group of actors work well together too. The main thing is there is some hilarious stuff in this movie. Some of the sight gags are very clever and inventive. I liked his going undercover in the restaurant and the scene where he investigates at a manor house. But even enjoyed the more subtle stuff. I think Martin is now getting into his stride with this character and I truly hope we get another installment soon. Invariably, we get the comparisons to the original Pink Panther films and the great Peter Sellers. My feeling on this is that they are two very different things. In fact, the last three installments of the Sellers films are the best. Even then the very last one wasn't as good as the one before it. The first one was terrible mildly amusing in places but very staid, A Shot in the Dark was much better than the first, but not quite the classic that the three last Sellers movies were. The two after Sellers died were just dreadful. I choose, however, not to compare these new Pink Panther films with the old ones because it's like comparing apples and oranges. As a film Pink Panther 2 is very funny.