Spy vs. Spy

Ever opened a book, started reading and couldn't stop? Just one more chapter and before you know it, it's morning. I used to devour Robert Ludlum novels when I was young. They inspired my wanderlust and interest in the Cold War and conspiracy theories. The books were movie-ready. I watched the Jason Bourne TV movies with Richard Chamberlain as the CIA agent. Since "The Bourne Supremacy" and "United 93", Paul Greengrass has become one of my favorite directors. In this age of CGI, the Bourne film franchise stands out for its nail-biting, edge of your seat action sequences as well as the intelligent scripts. "The Bourne Ultimatum" drops you right in the middle of the action from the get-go. Tightly edited, it features an amazing rooftop footrace in Morocco, a silent and brilliantly choreographed fight scene where you just hear the blows landings, a cat and mouse game through Waterloo Station, a thrilling New York City car chase. Of course there are the requisite scenes of CIA agents pacing up and down with arms crossed, looking into their computers and barking orders. After my fill of summer blockbusters with a young demographic, I was amused to see plenty of senior citizens in the theatre with me. Definitely a sign that this is an action thriller for adults. I must admit I was surprised when Matt Damon was cast as our protagonist, but he has brought the right blend of ruthlessness and vulnerability to the über-assassin. It seems he was "bourne" to play the part ;)