Bourne Again

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

I am an action junkie. I make no misspeak about it, no doubletalk. I am a card-carrying, fight "Whoooop!"-ing, chase-lovin' dude.

As a Christian, I don't try and reason this away with convoluted theology and reflected logic. God is a God of action. There are lots of battles in the Bible, and in the end, He will retake this planet with a battle. (Note to self and world: don't be on the wrong side. It will be a short fight and I'd put my money on the Son of God winning. Rather, I'd put my life on it.)

So when I automatically wanted to see the next movie in the Bourne series, I have to be honest with you: I did not start trying to find a Christian angle to the movie. I just wanted to see if it would wow me like the first, or plateau like the second.

One thing I did not know about Bourne is that because of the novels, it is truly an ongoing saga, a little more focused than a normal filmic series because it happens within a short timeframe. That is a very important fact.

JASON COMES HOME

Just what is The Bourne Ultimatum? It is nowhere near cut and dry. That's part of the fun. I was impressed with not only the density of the crowds seeing the film on the opening nights, but their winces, ironic chuckles, and audible gasps at every turn cornered. The people really wanted to see who Jason Bourne is and how things turn out.

Hint: Jason Bourne is not who you think. Don't get caught in that Webb.

Another Hint: It's not over, even after this film. This probably comes as good news to Bourne enthusiasts.

Preps the best thing about the movie is how true the production is to the series. There are intensely specific elements in the first film that are brought up again in this one. In The Bourne Identity, these elements might slip by as simple filler. In The Bourne Ultimatum, they are crucial plot points. A great nod to the maturing--wearying might be a much better term--of Bourne is what he utters towards another "Asset" at a climatic conflict. It is the same exact phrase uttered to him after he killed the last "Asset" in Identity.

I have to own up to a major mistake here. I only saw the second film, "The Bourne Supremacy," once. Oddly enough, it doesn't repeat on television; the first one does. I was far less impressed with the fighting from that one although in general pleased with the movie. I wasn't looking at it as a tightly sewn series at that point; rather a normal sequel. Therefore, I'm gonna have to go back and watch that one again. A TON of elements from that one are relevant in the third, although the third seems to be more of a nod to the first. Got all that?

Matt Damon looks older and strained. Running from professional assassins all the time takes it's toll, I'm sure. Correction: he runs after he...uhh...ends the threat.

Yet, what happens and the truths unveiled are exceedingly credible and realistic. The film never lags, is one continuous action sequence, and really tries to stay true to the formula that made the first one loved.

Unfortunately, there is one element missing -- the director. Doug Liman, who apparently figured he liked Producing much better (he is the executive producer for this and the 2nd one), so captured a genre in the first Borune film that I would call it genius. Paul Greengrass, who directed the 2nd and 3rd films, is a top-notch director as well, but I tend to get lost in his handheld-camera preference during high action scenes. The beauty of a fight is choreography, not p.o.v. shaking wildly out of control. Go check out the first one again. Doesn't the hyperspeed move/coutnermove motif of the fights make you whoop out loud?!

The other element in Ultimatum that is truly worth a look is their nod to modern technology, especially surveillance. Folks. Be careful what you say on your cellphone. (Not really, unless you are involved in crime and/or have something to hide from the Government. In which case, you should probably close this site right now because I built a tracker into it. That knock at your door? Agent Movieback.) The ability to find potential "Threats" is stunning. Even more well depicted is the direct and coldblooded efficiency of the "Assets." Wowzers. They would take out their own mothers without a bead of sweat in Bermuda. The tech is enjoyable. The "Assets" are mad scary. (Yes, I, like any other red-blooded American dude, sized up whether I could be one. I will refrian from the answer because it is probably equally scary. Kidding!! Sort of.)

One cannot get away from the deeper meaning of Bourne's search in the film, it is a theme that is the foundational undercurrent for the entire series. Who is he, and is what he does for a living right? At one point, Bourne whispers to Nicky (Julia Stiles), "I keep trying to apologize for who I am and what I do. But it doesn't seem to work."

Apologizing to WHOM?

Without being the expected Hollywood PC, this film asks the question, is killing people for political reasons OK? Bourne certainly lives and walks with that question in mind, and as he resolved in Identity, it is not ok. This struggle is good news for me, because as I watched the film, I wondered if it were supposed to be taking place in a Godless world like a lot of action films do. As I heard Bourne's internal dialogue, the answer clearly became, No.

Remember Marie? Her memory motivates Jason for a lot of the current chapter.

The attention to detail of the writers and producers bears lauding. Even the name Bourne has significance. Do a Yahoo! on the name, Ansel Bourne. See what I mean? Yes, this is where the name came from. (More of a credit to Robert Ludlum, the original author.)

In conclusion, if you're looking for action, Bourne is the Identity.

If you're looking for political intrigue, Bourne is the Supremacy.

And if you're looking for the best spy thriller of the year, Bourne give the Ultimatum: choose or lose.

--MvB

P.S.: Wonder why I kept using quotes for the word "Asset"? Because the CIA does not use the word assassin or hitman. They're called "Assets." Tight, huh.

Second Evan

EVAN ALMIGHTY

WASHINGTON, DC – As you, oh faithful reader, may know by now, I abhor films that take a traditional value and spin it towards modern pseudo-ethics. Especially when they involve some pop-culture instant-mix moral which will disappear as fast as it was emblazoned across the top of your Yahoo! Mail screen. And so, I admit that I thought EVAN ALMIGHTY (PG, Mild Rude Humor, Some Peril) would fall quickly into this category, especially when getting a load of the tv trailer, where his (cool) wife utters the phrase, “Perhaps He meant a flood of awareness!”

Little did I know, it’s his response to that thought which completed the message.

So when The Cutie In My Life told me she wanted to hear about this film, I added it to my list—enthusiastically.

She’s that cute.

And I am happy to tell you, that Evan Almighty totally dupes the archetype. PC Hollywood groupthink, and even flippant Biblical inaccuracy. This film is a rare, genuine, insightful message that will even get the highschoolers who sat next to me to think about the latter portion of it’s namesake. It’s refreshing.

The premise is different than you think. But not modernized to the point of sterilization. Evan Baxter, played by Steve Carrell, begins the film in his familiar News Anchor perch, but this time bidding his eyewitnesses goodbye as he has won a seat in Senate. Besides the brilliantly subtle role of God, again presented by Morgan Freeman (yet disturbingly saddled with the question, dontcha think God would have cleaner teeth?), this is the only connection to Bruce Almighty, and it goes away fast. What ensues is a very unique way to bring to current times an age old piece of history—Noah’s Ark. But I tell you: as someone who has studied the Bible in Grad School, this story not only dot’s the I’s with it’s unwillingness to damage Biblical record (and promises, hinthint), but it actually could happen. No, really. It could happen.

I’m of course being intentionally vague as I always am, because only by experiencing this journey can you appreciate it to the full. I will only leave you with these clues—in pairs, as is apropos:

- There will be a flood and it does rain.
- Lauren Graham, as Evan’s wife ( I kept going, “When did the Gilmore Girl get married?”), reacts to the situation very realistically and then gets help understanding.
- His job as Senator is not in center stage, but it is central.
- 1-800-Go-4-Wood, and 6:14 is a time to read.
- It is not a freaking flood of awareness, and it is not a freaking flood of awareness. Sorry, had to be blunt on that one.

This is one for the entire family. It is one to buy and watch on Holidays. It is one that you’ve got to believe that God Himself thinks is kinda clever. Sure, some of the main themes are watered down from the strictest of Christianity – (I believe the Director is Jewish, unless Shadyac is now an Italian name) but in this day and age, Evan Almighty stands tall as having faith that God can bring the rain.

And Oh, He does.

For five minutes.

--MvB

I DON'T HATE BLOCKBUSTERS.

Yet, I don't love every film with the hopes of getting my quote on a trailer for some soon-to-be bust hoping to look acclaimed.

I am the guy that is not trying to ruin your movie experience, but wants to enhance it.

I am the guy who loves the moviegoing phenom and, at the same time, believes in a Holy God.

That's right, I am a Christian.

AND my favorite movie of all time is Lethal Weapon 2.

"Wow! How does that work?!"

Read on, true believer, read on.


I am a huge fan and veteran of the sport of football. I considered calling myself something more generic, but when doing a blind search, came up with a site that A) has nothing casual and lighthearted about it, and B)...because everything on there is rated XXX and has a film byline that could get you kicked out of Seminary.

So I decided that, when doing my movie reconn, I am more like a defensive back, covering the play, defending the pass, rushing the QB, and tackling the runners. I am your MovieBack.

I will major in blockbusters, but will post with any film that I have taken the time to see.

I will always come from a Christian worldview, but will also come from a movie loving worldview. Action movie loving, that is. Hey, the Return of Jesus will be the biggest action movie of all time. I pray you're on the right side!

So, stay tuned, huddle up, bookmark me, add this to your list. I look forward to bringin' home the W.

MvB