Meant to be a side story that was taking place around the same time as the Bourne Ultimatum, The Bourne Legacy was meant to show us that Jason Bourne was not the only super assassin that was made. However, it wasn't as well received by critics or fans of the original trilogy. The question is, why? That is what I am hoping to answer. Is it as bad as people say it is? Well, yes and no.
For anyone wondering, I did watch the original trilogy and they are all fantastic action movies. The reason I am talking about this one instead of the original movies is because I have gotten a collective positive response to those, and mixed feelings on this one.
The Pros: The action scenes are still awesome, well shot and choreographed, as well as having very little CGI. They are still a blast to watch and enjoy. Most of the casting is really good. Edward Norton does a very good political villain and other side characters are also well acted. The movie also explains how the super assassins are created and what is needed for most of them. It also works as a good setup for the next movie coming out this year. The female lead in the movie was also a good character, just like in previous movies. She was very helpful and her actions made the plot move along in a good fashion.
The Cons: I don't know what it is, but I can't get behind Jeremy Renner as an assassin. I don't know if it is his bland character, Aaron Cross, or just his performance. I don't think I have seen a movie I liked him in. He's just one of those actors I don't personally like. He is boring to me. Before anyone mentions the Avengers, I promise, I am getting to that one. It borrows elements from previous Bourne movies that makes it feel formulaic. The building jumping, the silent assassin sent to kill him, the girl helping him, it felt a lot like The Bourne Ultimatum. The last action scene is pretty dragged as time goes on. As it goes, I found myself hoping it would just end and the last thing would be a fist fight between Aaron Cross and the silent assassin, but that didn't happen. It also leaves a huge plot hole, that I am hoping they filling in Jason Bourne (the fifth movie). The films biggest focus revolves around Aaron Cross is trying to get a medication he needs to still function and they are trying to make it so he doesn't need them. The question is, why didn't Jason Bourne need them. They are part of the same program, so why didn't Jason need them and Aaron did. Hopefully they explain that.
Final Thoughts: 6/10, I wanted to originally give it a 5/10, but the action scenes are too good to miss. It is definitely the weakest in the franchise, but it still has things to enjoy. I actually encourage people to see this and make their own opinion about it. I may not watch it again, but I understand why people do or don't like this movie.
Special Announcement: As far as movie reviews goes, the month of March will be my first focus month here on the blog, and I am putting a focus on Superhero movies. I have already picked my movies and here is how it will go. I will start with a recent comic book movie I liked, one I didn't like, and end the month with my favorite superhero movie of all time. I will let you, the readers, predict and guess what they are. Until next week!
