
The Bourne Legacy
2012, Mystery and thriller/Action, 2h 15m
232 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
It isn't quite as compelling as the earlier trilogy, but The Bourne Legacy proves the franchise has stories left to tell -- and benefits from Jeremy Renner's magnetic work in the starring role. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Aaron Cross
Dr. Marta Shearing
Byer
Turso
Terrence Ward
Outcome No. 3
News & Interviews for The Bourne Legacy
Critic Reviews for The Bourne Legacy
All Critics (232) | Top Critics (67) | Fresh (128) | Rotten (104)
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This is not the Bourne sequel you were looking for.
September 24, 2012 | Full Review… -
(Renner) has the required intensity and physicality to make his character-a highly-trained, genetically enhanced undercover agent-completely believable.
August 24, 2012 -
The Bourne Legacy exists only as a failed attempt to squeeze more juice out of a once-reputable franchise, which is hardly a legacy worth leaving.
August 22, 2012 | Rating: 2.5 -
The Bourne Legacy is quieter, slower, more sobering. The conspiracy is bigger and darker than we thought.
August 16, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
There's enough there, in all likelihood, to make audiences hope for more, but it's not as finished or complete a work as it should have been.
August 16, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Jeremy Renner takes over the franchise and lends his character a menacing charm.
August 16, 2012 | Rating: 4/5
Audience Reviews for The Bourne Legacy
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Oct 27, 2019The story of the assassins trained and enhanced by the CIA continues. A top heavy cast of notables nearly hide that there is less story, less character development than in the Bourne main story, but yet still a better than servicable actioner is delivered. After an attempt on his life Renner competently portrays an agent on the run as the Agency works to "clean up" a telling glitch prior to an official investigation.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Jul 29, 2016As the 4th Bourne film in the series, 'Legacy' isn't all that inventive or revealing. But as a spy-action-thriller, it's pretty solid. Aaron Cross is hardly as interesting as Bourne, but Renner's charismatic presence is more than enough to get by. In the age of shared universes, Universal decided it was a good idea to make another Bourne film in 2012, after years of trying to get a 4th Damon film off the ground. While the script and direction from Tony Gilroy relies heavily on the same tropes of the series, I can't say it's a film that shouldn't have been made. It should have just deviated from the source material even more than it did. With that said, I like the fact that the film takes place at and around the same time that 'Ultimatum' did. The approach to have Jason Bourne's actions impact Cross' and the rest of the Black Ops agents was a smart one. It's a far better decision than having Renner be the re-casted Bourne. But as Cross, Renner is quite good. I'm not sure he got cast in all of these franchises, but he doesn't seem to disappoint. Renner is complemented by a powerful performance from Rachel Weisz, who plays Cross' former doctor. Much like Bourne and Marie in 'Identity', they have great chemistry together and Weisz thankfully more with her character than what's written on the page. Edward Norton plays the new suspicious C.I.A figure, which has become a classic Bourne trope at this point. Although I think Norton is a good actor, he didn't do anything as Eric Byer that impressed me all that much. With minimal screen time together, it was tough to grapple onto Byer's perusal of Bourne. The action and cinematography are much easier to watch without Greengrass' infamous shaky cam. With that said, there is far less action mixed with a slower pace. The film doesn't really become interesting until 30 or 40 minutes in. In all, The Bourne Legacy largely handcuffs itself and falls into the series tropes too often to be considered on the level that the previous 3 films are. But good performances from its leads and some interesting action makes it a nice cable watch. +Renner & Weisz +Solid action -Handcuffs itself -Falls into the same tropes 7.4/10Thomas D Super Reviewer
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May 18, 2016I feel like this movie received a lot of undeserved hatred simply because it didn't include Matt Damon. While it isn't as strong as the trilogy it's based on, The Bourne Legacy is a solid installment in the franchise. Renner is a great protagonist, the supporting cast does well, the music and action are great, and the story is mostly solid. While a bit long, I respect the hell out of the folks behind this risky movie and hope to see more of Aaron Cross going forward.Ben B Super Reviewer
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Dec 18, 2015A spinoff set during the same time as the third Bourne film, It's a simple plot but very over complicated and a few plot holes make it less enjoyable, Jeremy Renner plays a good part and I'd be more than happy to see him play this role again with the right script but the problem is the action, It was ok but for the running time there was not nearly enough and the film tends to drag, Ok the ending bike chase was pretty good but I'm afraid it can't quite live up to the Matt Damon Bourne movies.Jamie C Super Reviewer
The Bourne Legacy Quotes
Aaron Cross: | *Speaking to a wolf* You should have left me alone. |
Aaron Cross: | Speaking to a wolf. You should have left me alone. |
Retired Col. Eric Byer USAF: | We are morally indefensible and absolutely necessary. |
Drone Pilot: | What kind of weapon systems is this guy operating? |
Dita Mandy: | He's probably got a riffle. |
Retired Col. Eric Byer USAF: | It's a high powered riffle. |
Aaron Cross: | Now, I've got a plan, and it's just not that complicated. What I'm going to do is wait for the next person to show up to kill you. Maybe they can help me. |
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