The Bourne Identity (2002/USA)
A superior action-thriller that manages to stay grounded at all times despite the conspiracy-theory nature of the plot. The stunts, particularly the car-chases and the fisticuffs, are executed with aplomb and add to the gritty nature of the film. A must watch.
The Bourne Supremacy (2005/USA)
A rarity – a sequel that manages to equal the heights of the original. Marginally less gritty as some Bond-esque gadgets and shenanigans are introduced but they certainly don’t detract anything. The sentimental elements, also, only serve to bolster what is already a strong plot.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007/USA)
A faster-paced affair than the two prequels. A couple of the characters aren’t quite as strong as in the previous films and the flashbacks/memory-recovery scenes can be a bit much but that is really just nit-picking. Continues the lineage with great success containing all of the elements that make the previous films great.
Transporter 3 (2008/France)
Another slickly put-together action film that does justice to the Transporter canon. Forgoing the OTT nature of the second film in a return to the basics it could easily underwhelm. However, the action scenes are as high-octane as ever (bar the disappointing finale) and Statham fans (myself included) will lap it up.
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994/USA)
Self-referential and contrived sequel to the horror classic that revives some of the unnerving nature of the original. It struggles to remain coherent at times and ends poorly but it entertains for the most part.
Vacancy 2 (2009/USA)
The original Vacancy was filled with tension and frights but this prequel idea really doesn’t work as the focus is shifted to the perpetrators rather than the victims. This removes any horror as the audience witnesses the bumbling incompetence of those that are meant to be terrifying!
