MICHAEL LOMAX: ‘Jason Bourne’ is more of the same

Sequels are the norm for any Hollywood franchise, and “Jason Bourne” is no exception. Though “Bourne Legacy” seemed to close the door on the possible return of actor Matt Damon, you knew it was only a matter of time before 2007’s “Ultimatum” got an extension. Nine years later, the new installment is more of the same.

Jason Bourne (Damon) has spent the past several years supporting himself in part through underground bare-knuckle boxing. But even after so much time, interested parties are still looking for him, including old contact Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles). When Parsons attempts to reach out to Bourne, she alerts the CIA’s Cyber Ops Division, who immediately make a move on Parsons and Bourne. Another hour and a half or so passes and the bodies pile up.

As action movies go, the Bourne films have been fantastic, and ending it on such a high note as “Ultimatum” is always how you want to see a good franchise go out. At the same time, “Legacy” seemed inevitable, though it was an admirable touch to leave Damon out of it and give the new reboot a chance to grow.

Unfortunately, “Legacy” didn’t really catch on, which probably prompted Damon to get back involved. And I’m sure a lot of money was exchanged, too.

The result is a fine enough action movie in its own right that is probably worth the price of admission (depending on where you see it and how, of course). But while certain stylistic touches are fine here and there, and though the political undertones are cool, “Jason Bourne” never really gets off on its own two feet and is about seven years too late.

That still shouldn’t prevent someone from enjoying the film in their own right. “Jason Bourne” succeeds in scenes when it doesn’t take itself too seriously and lets the action do the storytelling. Dramatic purists might favor better dialogue and, in particular, better casting decisions, but the movie works well enough.

Not groundbreaking by any means, but entertaining, which is about what you can expect from any unnecessary sequel.

Michael Lomax is a writer-filmmaker currently at work on a film script to be set and shot in Albany.