Universal's 'The Bourne Identity' Photo

Bourne Identity

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Julia Stiles, Chris Cooper, Brian Cox

Directed by: Doug Liman

RS: 3of 4 Stars

2002 Universal Pictures Thriller

Matt Damon goosed a flagging career (you try surviving All the Pretty Horses and The Legend of Bagger Vance) with this satisfyingly intricate film version of Robert Ludlum's best-selling spy thriller.

Director Doug Liman (Go, Swingers) keeps the action hopping. The DVD extras include an alternate ending -- if you ask me, they're both anticlimactic. But Liman's commentary reveals secret dish (I'll never tell, you do your own spying).

PETER TRAVERS
(January 14, 2003)