Stars: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton
Studio: Universal Pictures
Matt Damon fans can relax. The Bourne Legacy is not about Jason Bourne; the newest installment of the franchise introduces a new character who was a graduate of a separate program. Somehow, this government experiment seems to always end up in the same predicament: A highly trained asset ends up being declared highly toxic to his handlers, and the chase is on. And what a chase this is. Jeremy Renner is Aaron Cross, the latest agent with a target on his back. In the real world, if a government program went so far afield that valuable agents were deemed expendable, you better believe a congressional inquiry would be the next step for the agency responsible. But in writer Robert Ludlum’s world, government incompetence triggers assassinations, spectacular car chases, and always, always the instructions (or threats) that are delivered sotto voce. Rounding out the cast are Cross’, handler Byer (Edward Norton), and the gorgeous femme fatale necessary to every good spy story (Rachel Weisz as Marta, Cross’ running buddy, literally). Not one dull moment. –p.d. lee
