The Bourne Legacy
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Non-stop action sequel holds its own against predecessors.
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The Bourne Legacy
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Based on 12 parent reviews
Filled with Excitement and Disappointment (TRIGGER WARNING)
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What's the Story?
Agent Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is in the wilds of Alaska preparing for his next high-stakes mission. Left with hours in isolation, he's questioning the life he has chosen. Meanwhile, Jason Bourne has been spotted in New York, and journalists are beginning to delve into the elaborate netherworld of the government's top-secret intelligence agencies. The higher-ups, led by Eric Byer (Edward Norton), want to pull the plug on the entire operation -- all of it. Cross wants to untether himself from the agency, but first he needs specialized meds. Only one person can help him get off all the pills his superiors have leashed him to: Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), a scientist who's now a target herself.
Is It Any Good?
This is an often-riveting movie that manages to stand alone -- and tall, too -- referencing what came before just enough to give die-hard fans a sense of homecoming. When news spread that Matt Damon, who bore the mantle of the first three compelling Bourne movies, wasn't going to be in this installment, many swore the franchise was dead. And although Damon's Bourne casts his specter over THE BOURNE LEGACY, it doesn't stifle the film. Renner's Cross is a different breed of super-agent, more brawn than Bourne, more soldier than leader, but not so much of a follower that he can't stand alone. He and Marta have gone rogue, forced into it by circumstance, and we're with him most of the way.
But that's not to say there aren't any quibbles: The Bourne Legacy takes its time to distance itself from the original protagonist, a necessary part of the process that nonetheless could have used some pruning. And though there are some flashbacks, the story unfolds in a sometimes maddeningly linear way. A chase gives way to another and then another, and though it certainly makes for a breakneck, exciting pace, thrill fatigue starts to set in. We want to get to know Cross like we did Bourne, and we don't. We won't spoil the ending, but after all that work and rush, it leaves a little something wanting. But don't worry, we're there for the next serving. If filmmakers can entice Bourne to join Cross next time, and there's certainly room for it, the result could be perfection.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Bourne series. How does Legacy compare to the others? How does it change things to have a new star?
Does this movie seem more or less violent than what you've seen in other films? What kind of fighting/violence has the most impact? Why?
How do the covert agents justify their violent actions? Do the ends ever justify the means? Do you think real spies act like this?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 10, 2012
- On DVD or streaming: December 11, 2012
- Cast: Edward Norton, Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz
- Director: Tony Gilroy
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures
- Run time: 135 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: violence and action sequences
- Last updated: May 31, 2023
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