"The Bourne Legacy" is a thrilling and pulse-pounding fourth installment to the "Bourne" franchise.

The Bourne Legacy

Main Cast: Edward Norton, Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz
Director: Tony Gilroy
Genre: Action, Thriller
Distributed by: UIP-Solar Entertainment Corp.
MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Movie Info: The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office: The Bourne Legacy. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films. For The Bourne Legacy, Renner joins fellow series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles. –Universal

The Positive: It’s really tough for Gilroy to follow Paul Greengrass’ powerful trilogy-ender, ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ but he managed to even make some notable changes. For one, I really like the steadier camera works than the shaky-intensed approach in previous films. Gilroy allows the tension to come from the meticulous editing which makes the motorcycle chase and action sequences a pulse-pounding and riveting extravaganza.

The plot keeps a sense of heightened suspense despite familiarity in some parts.

Jeremy Renner matches Matt Damon’s great dogged spy performance in the ‘Bourne’ trilogy but his character–Aaron Cross–comes across as a much more “stable” and effective killer than even Jason Bourne.

Rachel Weizs’ performance provides substance.

Manila and Palawan as the setting of the second half is delightful to watch.

The Negative:

The introduction of Cross as the new lead character is somewhat underdeveloped.

Quality:

Entertainment:

STARMOMETER SCORE: 8/10

“The Bourne Legacy” trailer: