The Bourne Legacy

It's impossible to rate the latest entry in the Bourne series without comparing it to the original trilogy, but let's give it a shot. As a stand-alone action thriller, The Bourne Legacy is a passable piece of work with solid performances and kinetic action sequences. But back in the real world, where the film is a continuation of one of the best trilogies in recent memory, its scattered plot and pacing issues only remind us of the good old days spent with director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon.

New leading man Jeremy Renner is perfectly fine as Aaron Cross, the latest genetically modified test subject running from his superiors (including a totally wasted Edward Norton) in the wake of Jason Bourne's escapades. And while Aaron's globe-spanning adventures with the lovely Rachel Weisz in tow are entertaining enough, the series' sense of urgency walked out the door with Greengrass and Damon. Long-time Bourne screenwriter Tony Gilroy does what he can behind the camera -- the few action scenes are exciting and creative enough -- but the lazy plot with bigger and badder super spies conveniently popping up at every turn pales in comparison to the intelligent and tight filmmaking worthy of the Bourne title.