Iffy for 14+
Non-stop action sequel holds its own against predecessors.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Bourne Legacy is the fourth installment in the blockbuster Bourne movie series, although this film splits from its namesake book to chronicle a new character entirely separate from Jason Bourne. (This is the first in the series not to star Matt Damon, though his character is mentioned several times.) This time, Jeremy Renner stars as a genetically modified agent who must flee for his life. Like the earlier Bourne movies, Legacy is a big-budget, fast-paced, smart action thriller with near non-stop action -- including explosions, motorcycle chases, and many, many fight scenes, some of which get quite brutal (necks snapped, faces smashed, etc.). There's also some swearing (including "s--t") and social drinking, but the constant action violence is the main issue here.
- 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?
The good stuff
-
Messages: The government is depicted as a manipulative organization that will toss people aside when they're no longer necessary.
-
Role models: Aaron Cross is trying to serve his country, but he soon learns that his country has no more need of his services and is trying to dispose of him. He makes references to being sent on missions that were morally indefensible but necessary, but none of that happens during the movie. He does demonstrate some compassion by protecting Stephanie and civilian characters, and Stephanie herself is a smart, capable female lead character. Cross' bosses don't even try to justify their efforts to hide their black-ops mess by killing anyone who knows too much, though they cloak their actions behind the veil of trying to do what's "necessary" to protect democracy.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Near non-stop action as Cross tries to escape a manhunt on two continents. Chases on foot and motorcycle, including some intense crashes and explosions, and plenty of fight scenes. Cross takes out his opponents with handguns, rifles, and often his fists, and some scenes include unpleasant images as he brutalizes people with his bare hands. Necks are snapped, and faces are bashed in.
-
Sex: There's no time for romance in The Bourne Legacy; it's all action, all the time.
-
Language: Occasional swearing, including "s--t," "ass," "hell," "goddamn," and "oh my God."
-
Consumerism: The characters board an American Airlines flight at one point.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking by adults within a social context.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Bourne of a Different Breed by Darkola
I've read alot of bad reviews on this movie, and I can see why to a point. I know the beginning was a little dragged on, but for a purpose, its introducing a new character to its audience, from the perspective of the goverment, and also from the perspective of the new Bourne acter himself, showing his capabilities. I also found it smart in the way they tied this in with the ending of the last movie, showing it as going on at the same time the last movie was coming to an end. The action in this movie was very good, but at the same time, its the chase scenes weve seen over and over again in these types of movies, and to be honest, I'm not sure what more they can do in that area. Renner in my opinion, was not the right actor for this movie as he lacks showing feelings. The story about "the pills" was also way off, should have been left out completely, it was a far fetched idea that didnt tie in at all to any of the bourne movies. I'd give this 2 1/2 stars out of 4 myself. Enjoy :)
5
Bourne continues by emonroy
The movie is similar to the previous Bourne movies in storytelling and action sequences, which is good. At first the movie is a bit slow but it's understandable since they are explaining everything and the ending is set for sequels. Jeremy Renner is a perfect for the continuation of the saga that Matt Damon left off. And Rachel Weisz is good too as his love interest. The action sequences in Manila were good.
5
Another Classic by ari-fandango
I went to see it last night and I am going again today and taking my Father, & I am a guy that almost always waits for movies to come to dvd before I see them.
Go see this movie! This is not Jason Bourne, it is a different guy who is a product of the same system, so keep that in mind and enjoy it!
Even if I had not seen the Bourne trilogy and just this one I would still love this movie.
5
What a great ride by ellekate
Seriously, Jeremy Renner has really taken this new character and made it his own. I love how they blend the two stories to give you a sense of where Aaron Cross fits in. It's unfortunately not clear who exactly the people are chasing them (not quite CIA, not quite . . . who are they?). Renner's character portrayal makes Cross likable and real. It made me wonder if they screwed up in choosing Cross for the program being such a personable and clearly sweet guy, not the typical cold agents. And Rachel Weisz' character reflects just how much good people are used for bad things in the name of patriotism and they end up disposable. While there are clearly some similarities between the two characters, Bourne and Cross, and movies, Renner has created his own franchise here in this reboot. Can't wait to see what the next leg of their adventure has in store.
1
An utter disappointment by msemcken
I went to this movie with three of my friends and each one of us were left dumbfounded by how anticlimatic, confusing, and pointless this entire movie was. This is in no way a part or a refection of the borne movies in any way, shape of form. SIMPLY AWFUL.
5
The Bourne Legascy by bottledh20
Terrific !!!! Even though it's not Matt Damon ( who we all had grown accustomed to), the story and the actors and actresses were very believable and good Great action !!!!!!
5
Preferred over the first 3 Bourne films by ribboninthesky
I've never been a Matt Damon fan, so this movie was already an improvement due to his absence. Jeremy Renner did a helluva lot more with his character, and made him human in addition to kickass. Caution: if you're looking for balls to the wall action, you'll be disappointed. If you love Matt Damon and his character, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a movie that will leave you wanting more and was an excellent set up for future movies, go see it!
4
The Bourne Legacy by billproctors4
There is a lot of action in this film. However, for the first hour the film is a bit confusing. The central character is in the wilderness taking different colored pills and the explanation is not given until much later. If one stays with the film this is eventually explained and once the action begins it is quite thrilling. It holds to film version of the Bourne franchise. As is true with most Hollywood films the special effects, acting and other components are first rate.
4
For die-hard "Bourne" fans only by anarchristian
Love the franchise, and will probably see "Legacy" again, but would't be surprised if many found this "talking-head action flick" a disappointment.
Jeremy Renner is great as Aaron Cross, but his action scenes were too few and inferior to what we've seen from Matt Damon's Jason Bourne. If you're going to give us a car chase, give us something new. I thought the chase was at least leading up to a super mano-a-mano showdown between Aaron Cross and the guy chasing him. No spoiler from me, so let me just ask: is THAT how you take out a bad guy in an action film? Also, the story's conclusion was too neat.
I like the intricacies of Tony Gilroy's screenplay, but as a director he's no Paul Greenglass. Importantly, Gilroy did show that the criminals were NOT brought to justice at the end of "Bourne Ultimatum." Over the course of the next sequel or two Aaron Cross should pursue that goal -- with the assist of Jason Bourne.
3
Please NO MORE BOURNE!!!!!! by Agarrat
I personally thought jerremy renner would have made a better agent than matt damon boy was i wrong...
this movies plots and dialogue at times leave you like "what are they talking about" the action sequence was weak at best nothing that felt at the edge of your seat