The Bourne Identity
Universal Pictures | Release Date: June 14, 2002 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews
Positive:
26
Mixed:
11
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
This savvy adaptation of Robert Ludlum's action-clogged 1980 bestseller benefits from the fact that the filmmakers were smart enough to throw out most of the book's preposterous spills and thrills and concentrate instead on its intriguing central character. Read full review
60
The A.V. ClubScott Tobias
May be a bloodless piece of thriller craftsmanship, but at a time when craft has become negligible, its efficiency and whipcrack timing are increasingly uncommon virtues. Read full review
60
Washington PostStephen Hunter
As for Damon, this may not be a performance so much as an appearance. But he cares so utterly, it works. Read full review
60
Film ThreatMichael Dequina
Makes one interested in seeing the inevitable sequel, but one is also left to somewhat question the worth of sitting through this first installment. Read full review
58
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
It has a few whispers of intrigue, but at the heart of The Bourne Identity lies a dispiriting paradox: The more that Jason Bourne learns about himself, the less arresting he seems. Read full review
58
Portland OregonianShawn Levy
Isn't a bad movie so much as one that feels like an amateur version of material from more accomplished works -- a movie that not only isn't sure what it really is but doesn't seem terribly much to care.
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Films borrow tricks from pictures made years ago -- try to watch Bourne without thinking of "The Manchurian Candidate." Read full review
50
The New YorkerDavid Denby
Damon may be too young, too unformed, to play an amnesiac. Gazing at that blank face, we can't imagine that Bourne has any experiences or memories to forget. [17 & 24 June 2002, p. 176]
50
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
Next time Damon will have to find a worthier vehicle. As the intended start of a franchise, The Bourne Identity is a bit of a bust. Read full review
50
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
All this is diverting but also borderline dull. Read full review
40
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Banal big-budget adaptation of Robert Ludlum's 1980 espionage thriller. Read full review
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