THE BOURNE SUPREMACY

Director: Paul Greengrass (The Theory of Flight, Bloody Sunday)
Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen

This second chapter of the Robert Ludlum spy series was a hyperactive and jerky film, but still had a fair amount worth recommending. It's unfortunate that the director chose to film this picture in the choppy visual and pacing style that he did. I found no good use for this choice and was massively annoyed by it. Rather than pausing even slightly to learn about these characters anywhere in the story, we had nothing but jumpy scenes and massively annoying cut after cut after cut. I think this guy thought he was shooting an episode of Law and Order - and while those may be viewed as "artsy" visuals for the small screen, in the land of films it's just poorly done. However, despite these concerns, this film still had a solid base. The acting was excellent for an action movie. Matt Damon was exceptional in the lead as an amnesiac super-spy trying to uncover his own past (there's a sentence I never would have imagined I'd ever write). The surrounding players were also well done. While I was seriously distracted by the hyperkinetic visual editing, I will admit that it probably heightened the peril of the thunderous action sequences. They were hard to follow, but I really did feel part of the action. All in all, I liked the original Bourne flick better than this sequel. This was certainly a solid effort, but it remains one of those movies where I'll be hard-pressed to remember the plot after a week.

Standouts: Kinetic action. Interesting direction. Matt Damon.
Blowouts: Overly kinetic action ... almost nauseating kinetic action.

Grade: B

SEABISCUIT

Director: Gary Ross (Pleasantville, produced Big, other writing credits)
Starring: Toby McGuire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, A horse

This film was an almost saccharin-sweet story of the underdog rising up to the occasion. Although the story is titled "Seabiscuit", the ugly, undersized racehorse of the economically depressed 1930s, this was really the story of the horse's equally underdog owner, trainer and jockey learning to help each other to survive. On another level it's the story of the underdog American people learning to help each other during the depression.

The owner (Jeff Bridges) had pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become a millionnaire and had a real love for the American everyman. The trainer (Chris Cooper) was an absolute nobody that happened to pique the owner's curiousity. The jockey (Tobey Mcguire) was an angry, oversized fellow that quoted shakespeare despite his empty pockets. Apparently, America fell in love with this horse like no horse before, or since. Seabiscuit became a symbol of every American down on his luck. They movie was a plea for us to help each other.

The flaws in the movie were evident, but by no means overwhelming. The movie didn't really find its sense of itself until the horse made an appearence. The early scenes showing the backstory of the 3 main characters were only average. Additionally, David McCollough a very recognizable voice of narration in documentary television, provided his narration to this movie. I really didn't enjoy this cross-over. It implied that we were watching a documentary, which we most definitely weren't. This was a fictionalized account if ever there was one. Finally, this movie was very, very, very sweet. Almost (but not quite in my reckoning) too sweet. Some may view this as a problem, but I do not. It worked in spite of the sticky flavor.

In the end, this movie was quite enjoyable. Jeff Bridges provided another wonderful character, this one remarkably similar to his TUCKER role some years ago. Chris Cooper was astounding in a quiet role of a quiet man. I predict another Oscar nomination for him. Tobey Mcguire was quite good as the fiery jockey. All told I think we need more movies this sweet. We need the affirmation. Yes, it's not real life, but it's still good to see for those of us who have to live a real life.

Standouts: A very 'watchable', sweet and affirming tale. Fine acting throughout.
Blowouts: It might just be a bit too sweet for the ironic crowd.

Grade: B+