Fans of the Jason Bourne series have been skeptical about the prospect of The Bourne Legacy ever since the project was first announced back in 2010. While franchise leading man Matt Damon, who played the titular hero in the first three movies, was originally attached for a fourth film (to be directed by Paul Greengrass), the pair later dropped out of the project, and instead, Jeremy Renner (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and The Avengers) as well as Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum writer, Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton), were tasked with bringing an entirely new Bourne universe character to the big screen.
As indicated, the notion of a Bourne series film without an appearance by Jason Bourne did not sit well with fans of the franchise – leading many to dismiss The Bourne Legacy as little more than a thinly-veiled cash grab. However, does the final film defy the naysayers and live up to the lofty bar set by the original trilogy – delivering the same visceral action and sharp storytelling?
Unfortunately, The Bourne Legacy is neither as exciting or as intriguing as the Matt Damon-led films – but that doesn’t mean it’s a total misfire. In general, the movie’s biggest shortcoming is an overlong runtime that is the result of a number of drawn-out scenes and action set pieces. Nearly every moment of the film is interesting, whether a meditative character beat or a fast-paced chase sequence, but not everything is essential. As the minutes tick on, these less-engaging elements begin to distract from the core narrative – resulting in a diminished return for the on-screen drama.
Jeremy Renner in 'The Bourne Legacy'
An overstuffed, and overcomplicated, plot is largely to blame for a bloated Bourne Legacy experience. Not only does Gilroy, who also wrote the film (along with brother Dan Gilroy), introduce an entirely new sympathetic operative: number 5, Aaron Cross – the filmmakers also attempt to weave further plotlines into The Bourne Ultimatum story.
Essentially, the rogue actions of Jason Bourne, namely his attack on Operation Blackbriar, cause the CIA, headed by Retired Col. Eric Byer (Edward Norton), to shutter black ops programs including Treadstone – leading to the execution of countless field agents and support staffers. After narrowly avoiding an attempt on his own life, new franchise face Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is forced into a kill or be killed chase as he flees the covert purge. Unfortunately, Cross is low on his “green and blues” – drugs supplied by the CIA through “Operation Outcome” (a Treadstone offshoot) that give agents an intellectual and physical edge in the field. Cross seeks out another CIA purge target, Outcome physician Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), in an effort to find more of the necessary medication. Without the drugs, Cross and Shearing don’t stand a chance against Byer’s ruthless (and blood-drenched) attempt at containing Blackbriar fallout.
It’s an intriguing setup, even if much of the film is centered around chasing down a MacGuffin, and despite this stock man-on-the-run format, there are some truly engaging plot developments and character moments. However viewers who haven’t recently watched the prior Bourne films (especially Ultimatum) will be wishing they’d prepped for Legacy with a refresher screening. Even though Jason Bourne appears in name (and static image) only – the plot spends a lot of time casually referring to the character (and the events surrounding him) as if they were common knowledge. Even for those who can easily recall the core Bourne storyline (loaded with covert names, government cover-ups, etc), the film will still get bogged down in disconnected exposition. That said, anyone who can’t easily recall prior plot elements and characters (especially Operation Blackbriar, ”Pam” Landy, and Dr. Albert Hirsch) will likely feel as though the characters cut away from the Aaron Cross situation too often – in favor of reacting to a person who isn’t actually in this film.
Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) and Retired Col. Eric Byer (Edward Norton)
The whole setup creates a weird introduction for the Cross character, and Renner, to his credit, still manages to make it work. While The Bourne Legacy doesn’t always make it easy to accept the new leading man (since it spends loads of time winking at the last one), Renner helps ground Cross with the same balance of compassion and ruthless neck snapping that fans of the series have come to expect from rogue Treadstone operatives. At this point, the Cross storyline isn’t as rich as Bourne (who spent a lot of time attempting to uncover his past) but scene-to-scene the character provides enough intrigue to keep his freshman outing interesting.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Norton’s Eric Byer – who, in spite of a fascinatingly grey morality, does little more than sit in a CIA operations room and react to various pieces of information that other agents present to him. He’s an exposition machine and very little connects Byer to the outside action – significantly limiting the character’s utility and intrigue.
Rachel Weisz as Dr. Marta Shearing is in the same camp – the film attempts to position her as a unique foil to Cross, but unfortunately the character is mostly led around out of fear and (for the most part) is relegated to typical action movie damsel tropes. The filmmakers were clearly trying for something deeper – as Shearling enjoys a competent backstory and some compelling character moments. However, despite a solid performance from Weisz, who plays Shearling with an entirely straight face, the character’s beat-by-beat endeavors are more reminiscent of a typical popcorn action heroine – not the gritty and realistic approach that comes standard with a Bourne experience.
Rachel Weisz as Dr. Marta Shearing in 'The Bourne Legacy'
Fortunately, that “realism” is definitely present in the film’s action beats – which offer a nice break from the overabundance of CGI-heavy movies Hollywood typically churns out. Renner’s hand-to-hand combat is hard hitting and exciting to watch – especially when the character is first on the lamb (and out-gunned). Creative use of various filming locations has always been a strong suit for the series, and while Legacy has difficulty living up to set pieces in the Paul Greengrass (and Doug Liman) installments, there are a number of memorable scenes this round as well. Some of the chase sequences are symptomatic of the film’s bloated runtime, grinding on a bit too long, but that hardly detracts from the moment-to-moment fun.
Most moviegoers will find enjoyment in The Bourne Legacy – as it offers the same government conspiracy storylines and “realistic” action beats as its predecessors. However, the film is a step down from the Matt Damon trilogy in nearly every way imaginable – presenting a less compelling protagonist (though there’s room to flesh him out in future installments), an increasingly convoluted overarching plot, and drawn-out action with a softer payoff. Legacy is by no means a bad film, it just, ironically, has trouble living up to the real world Jason Bourne “legacy.” As a result, the movie will at the same time confirm the misgivings of cynics while providing enough of an entertaining ride to keep moviegoers interested in the possibility of a Bourne 5 (especially if there’s hope for some Jason Bourne/Aaron Cross face-time).
If you’re still on the fence about The Bourne Legacy, check out the trailer below:
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For an in-depth discussion of the film by the Screen Rant team check out The Bourne Legacy episode of the SR Underground podcast.
Let us know what you thought of the film in the comment section below. If you’ve seen the movie and want to discuss details about the film without worrying about spoiling it for those who haven’t seen it, please head over to our Bourne Legacy Spoilers Discussion.
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick for future reviews, as well as movie, TV, and gaming news.
The Bourne Legacy is rated PG-13 for violence and action sequences. Now playing in theaters.
Our Rating:
3 out of 5
(Good)
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so basically its poops***
What the hell? A 3/5 is decent…
I was never a fan of the Bourne series, I find the plots to be over complicated and the action to be uninteresting, even the first one which has simple set up and premise gets bogged down in itself by the end. I was hopping this one would get away from that, plus like Renner much more than Damon, but clearly I was wrong. oh well.
With all due respect, what is so over-complicated about the Bourne trilogy plotlines? If you didn’t like the movie plots then you definitely wouldn’t have liked the original Ludlum novels.
I was hoping you would get the call on this one Ben
and a Ben Kendrick 3 stars means good enough and good
enough is the standard I generally employ for summer movies.
Knowing the film’s weaknesses you elaborate on helps
to discount them because I know they are coming.
For a hot weather escape this movie qualifies.
I’ll see it anyway. Despite mixed reviews, early criticism (from regular viewers) are very positive so far. Renner is an awesome actor. The failure of the movie goes to the director/writer.
I was really looking forward to this, and strangely I still am.
I’ll be seeing the movie regardless, but @Ben: in your opinion, which one did you prefer watching: Total Recall or The Bourne Legacy – I know the latter more of a conspiracy thriller and the other a sci-fi thriller of sorts, but just in general…?
‘Legacy’ is definitely a more interesting movie – where as I thought the set pieces in ‘Total Recall’ were more exciting/entertaining.
I’d say the choice depends on your mood/taste:
A brainless and over-the-top action flick (one that follows the same story beats as the original)
or
A smart film that’s a little too ambitious – and falls short of the brand quality bar.
Cool… thanks man.
I’ve reworked my movie budget a bit and I think I’ll be seeing both flicks now.
Awesome and well written review as always Ben.
Cheers! Glad it was useful.
The best quick review of not just one but two
movies ever and everything you need to know.
While I am a general fan of the series and very much entertained by each film, for some reason I have never found myself completely devoted to the franchise. Some of the remarks in this review came off as unsuprising because I felt they were present in the previous three films, albeit seemingly enough to a lesser degree than in ‘Legacy’.
However I am a fan of Jeremy’s work and despite the script issues this film offers up solid peformances from Renner and Weisz and solid action sequences though long.
So overall I think a three star rating is a good enough rating to warrant my attention to watch the film for what it is. Slightly dissapointed by the fact is wasn’t better and at the same time wanting to watch it either way
That was a good review. The New York Times said essentially the same thing- that this movie does not live up to the standard of the original 3. Still, it looks action packed and I’ll probably see it. Thanks!
Glad to see it still offers a fun experience, didn’t really think it could outdo the previous films anyway so nothing lost nothing gained for me. Gonna check it out today.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a dog or not — what matters is “The Bourne Legacy” done WITH dogs …..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=til_GWr4Si0
Amazing. I’m speechless… but my dog won’t shut up about the female lead.
I have to advise against watching this, terribly boring movie. Was half-awake during the supposed climax. Don’t waste your time
This review is a bit off IMO.. I thought this movie was very good. I agree not quite as good as the Matt Damon trilogy, but close. Although this is just the first movie. If I had to compare this movie to the first Bourne movie, they are running neck and neck.. Give it more time and and 2 more movies to complete another trilogy, and then compare. Jeremy Renner is an amazing actor and I’m glad to see him getting a lead role in a good action flick. I’m hoping by the 3rd movie of this second trilogy, they defintitely add Matt Damon back in and make it like this Bad@$$ 3 hour long NONSTOP in your face kick@$$ Bourne Domination!! For anyone on the fence about seeing it, I recommend it! Jeremy Renner is great, and other than them cutting away from his character Aaron Cross (which is the only part of the review I agree with) a little too much, this is a great movie!!
I always get a kick out of back to back, diametrically opposing comments.
I found it overly long and a bit boring myself.
Vic
The only part that felt overly long to me was the ::SLIGHT SPOILER:: opening. The whole part where Aaron Cross was in Alaska felt a little dragged out to me. They could have gotten to the point a little quicker..
I actually thought that part was pretty interesting; almost The Grey type.
Sounds to me like a typical transition. What was good about the past part of the franchise slowly changes into what it can become. The questions are, is there enough quality and audience interest to continue? Does the movie peak the viewers interest enough to want to see more? If these questions can’t be answered in the affirmative then I believe, by the operative formula, movie 5 will be a reboot…
I for one have been going to the movies alot this summer to find a place to chill out, literally! For pure entertainment value, I recommend this film highly. It kept me occupied the whole time and Jeremy Renner is appealing to both men and women. He reminds me alittle of 007′s Daniel Craig and Steve McQueen, everyone’s favorites. I know the film has it’s faults but it took me away for a couple of hours and made me laugh in some parts. No regrets.
Actually Judy , that is why I watched this film too.
Literally to cool off.
And , as you say , flawed, but, enjoyable.
No regrets on my side either.
Went this afternoon… Had high hopes but was disappointed. Had even higher hopes for Jeremy Renner but he is not main star material. He was much better in Avengers in a smaller role. Anyhow, the movie seemed to go on & on and found myself bored way too much… Wait for BR or DVD…
i thought it was good not great, renner and weisz were really great together
i actually liked it, i mean the reviews have been really mixed but i liked it
I saw it today with my brother and I must say it’s great. Is it as good as the 1st Bourne Movie? I would say no but uh, this movie kind of ties in to the original trilogy(don’t want to give things away). I can see a Bourne/Cross movie coming up soon. Renner was great and was a more uh, “human” type of Bourne. Norton though I felt was wasted in his role. That was my only issue. There was soo much you could have done with his character. All in all, the movie is great if you enjoy these types of movies. It makes you think and try to tie everything together.
Id give a 3.5/5 there was some good moments but some parts were dragged on and nortons character was kinda useless since he dididint do that much
i will always ask this when it comes to action movies:
does this have any fast cuts or shaky cam for the action scenes ?
i will probably watch this regardless of how moronic the story sounds (a guy killing a ton of people for some pills?) b/c i like renner as an action star, he has this ‘dont f*** with me’ look whenever he’s in an action segment which shows he really gets into the scenes (makes his character more of a bad a** to).
jwalka,
Yes, in spades. There was a car chase that was completely disorienting IMHO and it was the usual super close up, fast camera movement, fast editing on the hand to hand fight scenes.
Annoying.
Vic
good to see you’re back chief
guess i’ll be skipping this one after all. i couldn’t stand how stupid the camera and editing where in bourne 3 it took away from the bad a** feel damon gave the character and instead became a battle of ‘who gets an epileptic attack first’ 
glad to see others didnt like the epileptic camera work. i hated the bourne films at the cinema because they gave me a headache because the camera was too jerky. however, fastforward a few years and i got them on bluray and on the small screen, they are fabulous. still my favourite boxset and really like damons character – as no damon/greengrass in this one, i already have a very low expectations for this movie. will almost certainly wait for the small sceen as it apparently also has jerky camera work.
Saw it last night, 2 out of 5 stars, very long, very boring. Damon was definately missed, either he comes back for 5 with a great script, or I don’t see a 5 happening.
Thing is movie should have been great than good if they shorten it up, just to keep the story pumping and adrenaline kicking,still happy for those exciting fast pace action scene that’s the trademark of being Bourne! Il agree with 3stars out of 5
Good movie. There was a lot of action, it was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed it.
the thin may be script but the presence and superb acting of JEREMY RENNER, EDWARD NORTON and RACHEL WEISZ made it a great movie… they need to do another one.. and all i can say Jeremy Renner has the best physical abilities and acting style compared to Matt Damon…. love the widescreen cinematic effects too… more realistic compared to the other 3!
the way they incorporated the new character in the bourne series was good,.the actors were superb BUT the ending was disappointing. I truly enjoyed the movie and the action scenes until I realized that it was over. I noticed that everyone in the theater didn’t even move at the end because we all didn’t know that it was the end! the story had no substance. the bad guys were after them and they got away. that’s it!!! they did not solve anything! there was no closure! the movie had such great potential if they had tied up the end.
That’s the point of leaving things for the sequel… You’re interested in more closure for the story. They set a lot of that up! This is an introduction movie for the story of Aaron Cross and his motivations. I walked out thinking “Wow, if they mash Bourne and Cross together in the next movie it’ll be amazing!” The ending of the storyline of this movie lent itself to that idea. Aaron realizes the terrible morals of this program (**Slight Spoiler** it being that the organization killed all of its other operatives, attempted to kill him and Marta, and caused the deaths of innocent scientists **End Spoiler**). He has motivation to take down the corruption, just as Bourne does. Even more to that effect, because of Pamala Landy’s failed attempt at the Senate hearing, Bourne once again has motivation to come into play to expose the immorality of the government’s intelligence programs in their missions and how they treat their operatives. There is also a history between Byer and Cross that can definitely be explored more. They didn’t show a lot, but there seems to be more going through Byer’s head than just catching Cross. This movie was a setup for a sequel. The result of the virus scene is a major motivation and plot necessity for the next movie.
Sure I was disappointed that Matt Damon was not in the film, so I treated this like a Bond movie and was quite thrill with the storyline and the action.This film feel just shy of the Matt Damon series but was very intertaining. I would recommend seeing this film.
I waited for this movie for a long time, and when I saw saw it, I thought it was worth the wait. I liked, although the ending seemed abrupt. Still good nonetheless.
I saw the movie yesterday. Definitely a 3 of 5 stars but I am planning to see it again. As a fan of the Bourne trilogy, I believe a lot of the shortcomings I found were a function of expecting based on the first 3. On another note…. It amazes me about a handful of people who called the movie boring or said they were falling asleep. Perhaps they should have handed out blue pills to these ADD inflicted movie goers.
I saw it last evening, and both my husband and I found it less than intriguing. It’s all been done before. The roof chase was nothing new. The travel through the airport, the search using footage from security cameras – all been done before. The drones were cool, and the scene at the house was very well done. We both hated how they tied it into the last Bourne movie, changing the outcome of that very satisfying ending.
We like Jeremy Renner as an actor. He was better in the Hurt Locker.