We just saw THE BOURNE LEGACY (2012) at Cinema 5, SM Mall of Asia Aug. 8, 2012 Wednesday. The film took place during the events of the 3rd Matt Damon film 'Bourne Ultimatum'. New character Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is introduced. I was simply excited with the first half of the film knowing that the 2nd half was shot in the Philippines. Aaron Cross asking Dr. Shearing (Rachel Weisz) for the source of the blue pill that enhances his strength and the audience obviously got excited when Weisz blurted the words 'Manila, the Philippines'. Raw Manila, the Philippines highlights the motorcycle action sequences shot in random points in busy Manila streets (Leveriza St. Malate, Marikina, Tramo Pasay, Jones Bridge Sta Cruz, , EDSA Pasay rotunda, Ramon Magsaysay Highway, Navotas fishport, Palawan) which are sewed together to make one continuous sequence. Amusing Filipino extras with the famous 'P.I.' curses, the ever famous Jeepneys and an impressive performance by Filipino John Arcilla as a security guard gave the film a Pinoy touch. I find the character Aaron Cross spread too thin lacking the emotional moments that would make him a likable character and that's because of director Tony Gilroy's faulty script while Rachel Weisz brings the needed humanity in the film. Aaron Cross' hand-to-hand combat style seems ordinary and lacks the innovative martial arts skill of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) perhaps the fault of the martial arts choreographer in Legacy. I love The Bourne Legacy because the film-makers placed the Philippines in the international radar but the story is very linear with no complexities avoiding a thinking man's film. The ending is lackluster and lacks a style and lacks the necessary build-up of characters and events to make the film a satisfying one. I heard a couple of boos from the audience including a boo from my son (lol) at the ending and I seem to agree with them which, sad to say, I miss Matt Damon more after watching 'Legacy'. My ratings: 2.5 out of 5 Biscuits !
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