THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM — *** — Matt Damon, David Straithairn, Joan Allen; rated PG-13 (violence, drugs, profanity, torture, brief gore)

"The Bourne Ultimatum" hits the ground running — quite literally. The film begins with an exciting foot-chase scene and doesn't let up.

It's an action-packed thriller that might not top 2002's "The Bourne Identity," arguably the best movie in this particular trilogy. But it is an improvement over its predecessor, 2004's sometimes incomprehensible "The Bourne Supremacy," toning down some of the more irksome, videogame-style direction and action and addressing some neglected story elements.

In "Ultimatum," amnesiac CIA assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is still on the run throughout Europe. And he's still trying to remember most — if not all — of his past.

A British journalist (Paddy Considine) has turned up a few promising leads that might help him with that but is gunned down before he can give Bourne any information.

In fact, a black-ops CIA official (David Straithairn) is sending all of his operatives to dispose of our hero before he discovers the truth.

Recurring characters Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) and Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) both get increased screentime this time around. And the revelation of Bourne's "origin" provides a brief but memorable supporting role for Albert Finney, who's always a welcome presence.

As for Damon, he gets to display his toughness in some pretty physically demanding scenes, as well as a more vulnerable side.

Screenwriters Tony Gilroy, Scott Z. Burns and George Nolfi's adaptation differs greatly from its source material, the Robert Ludlum novel. But it's actually an improvement on the book. Their version of the tale is more rooted in the present day and gives director Paul Greengrasses the opportunity to stage a pair of thrilling vehicle chases, as well as some brutal hand-to-hand combat.

However, Greengrass still needs to buy a tripod for his camera. A couple of character scenes look like they were shot by attention-deficit monkeys with cameras strapped to their backs.

"The Bourne Ultimatum" is rated PG-13 for strong scenes of violent action (shootings, fisticuffs, strangulation, vehicular and explosive mayhem, and violence against women), drug content (hypodermic needle use), scattered profanity, a scene depicting torture and brainwashing, and some brief gore. Running time: 111 minutes.

---

E-mail: jeff@desnews.com