Tony Gilroy

This is an astonishing - and astonishingly underrated - piece of cinema. The scrambled chronology seems, at first, obscure. But the denouement is so utterly powerful that one is led to see the film again and again - and each viewing reveals the depth of artistry involved, all of it tied together by Clooney's brilliant understatement in the lead role. In a class with "Z", "Three Days of the Condor", and"The French Connection."

The intrigue, conspiracy and drama present in this movie are off the charts. It's truly an intelligent film that captivates from start to finish. I didn't particularly like the final twist but it all makes sense. On a structural note, I find it ironic that the crusading media is portrayed as the constant moral compass and is the hero of the film when, in real life, journalism is now all about the presentation of different levels of liberal falsities. As for the performances, Russell Crowe and the ENTIRE cast are simply superb... everyone is top level talent on the top of their game. I can't remember a recent movie where the supporting players are this good. Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels and even Helen Mirren have very small roles but all have a huge impact on the film. Affleck and McAdams do a great job as well.

Al Pacino has a ball playing his evil character in this movie, but kudos to Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron for delivering convincing performances in this genre offering. Some neat effects and dark atmosphere provide sufficient chills.

http://braidedthreads.blogspot.com/2008/09/bourne-again.html ... This film promises to reaveal much of what has been hidden through the series--enough to satisfy us, and bring some things full circle. It reemphasizes some of Bourne's culpability in the ruthless person he became, and gives him the chance, if not to redeem himself, at least to be able to grow into someone different. He shows considerable restrain in this movie, as if to hold back the machinery of Bourne-the-killer, who is able to act violently without regret or remorse. He is both capable of violence, and capable of choice, and it is fascinating to watch the intersection of these dual impulses.

How is this for an ultimatum.. give me my money back or else!! Unfortunately I am not sure who to hold accountable for this mess. I can't blame Damon he is like the obidient dog that sits under the table waiting for scraps. I can't blame Julie Stiles for toally being mis-cast (note to Julie, stick to bad dance movies from not on). Guess I have to blame myself for seeing this. Guess I owe myself some money.

What a great film. I suspect many viewers, like me, will find this film to be much like "Syriana"--poignant, sad, topical, current, and a great vehicle for Clooney's acting abilities. Superb supporting cast; great script, and another excellent performance by Clooney.