The Bourne Supremacy

The Bourne Supremacy is the second film in Robert Ludlum's spy trilogy to hit the big screen. Paul Greengrass is well qualified as an espionage director having co-authored 'Spycatcher' with ex-MI5 Officer Peter Wright. Once again, the plot follows the escapades of Jason Bourne, an ex-CIA hit man with acute amnesia.

His troubled past haunts him through a series of vivid flashbacks, which help to piece together his shattered memories. Whilst living in Goa with girlfriend Franka Potente, Bourne is framed for a crime that took place in Munich. The CIA is dragged into the fray with top spook Pamela Landy (Allen) on the case. Bourne's intense paranoia becomes justified-they really are all out to get him!

As well as the CIA, he's also being pursued by a blood-crazed Russian hit man played by Karl Urban.  Eventually, Bourne collects his ten different passports and sets off on a cat and mouse road trip through Europe in a bid to salvage his identity and clear his name.

The climax of the film is a masterfully crafted high-speed chase through the streets of Moscow, the director abandoning the stereotypical Aston Martin in favour of a resilient taxi and some frenetic camera work that will reduce the viewer to a quivering wreck, with whiplash and the smell of burning rubber feeling only metres away.

Damon's performance is exemplary, showing a strong emotional side to a character dogged by misfortune, but maintaining the iron will of an individual in search of revenge. Julia Stiles is sadly underused as ex-field agent Nicky and does not get many opportunities to display a fine acting talent. The murderous battle of wills between Brian Cox's sinister CIA veteran Ward Abbott and chief spook Pamela Landy (Allen) rapidly unfolds creating further conflict in this non-stop thriller.

The Bourne Supremacy is a high-octane espionage thriller that is sure to keep you hanging onto the edge of your seat! Although he may not be the typical 'shaken not stirred' agent usually found rolling under the covers of cinematic espionage, one thing's for sure, messing with Jason Bourne is not a good plan.

Chris Lofthouse