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Review

There's more of the same great espionage thrills and unexpected twists and turns awaiting in this exciting and complex sequel to 2002's hit The Bourne Identity. Smartly not a carbon copy of the original, Supremacy offers as much bust-a-gut action as Identity, but replaces the plot line of Bourne's mysterious identity with a sly cat-and-mouse game of catch me if you can. Damon returns as the former CIA assassin, who is now living with girlfriend Marie in India. When they are attacked and left for dead by unknown assailants, Bourne must put things right with the CIA -- who now think him responsible for the double murder of agents in Berlin and are determined to eliminate him once and for all. Much of the original film's cast returns, including Potente as Marie, Cox as a senior op and Stiles as a case worker, with Allen registering strongly as a task force chief heading the Bourne investigation. But it's Damon's show all the way, and the actor gives another credible turn as Bourne, balancing the physical with the cerebral to create a formidable action hero with the slightest touch of menace -- reminiscent of the anti-heroes Paul Newman and Steve McQueen played in the 1960s. Director Greengrass (Bloody Sunday) maintains the action at a brisk pace, and makes sure the numerous global locations and winding story lines never become convoluted.

 -- David Bleiler