An expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.
Virtually every choice director Gilroy makes is the wrong one, resulting in a film that sputters and stalls before it ever gets going.
Overlong, overly complicated and with one villain so hackneyed it veers towards parody, The Bourne Legacy lacks the intelligence of its predecessors.
The time has certainly come to call a halt to the Bourne franchise, but despite its muddled origins, this fourth movie is much more of a bang and less of a whimper than any of us feared, and Jeremy Renner is emerging as the intelligent person's action star.
The open-ended finale also carries a hope that you will want more Bourne after Legacy. Well, maybe you will if you are a fan of Renner, spies on steroids or rather unsatisfying chase movies.
The new Bond? He's George Lazenby at best.
Wherever it disappoints in failing simply to replicate the thrills of the previous ones – and it does, in places – it also compensates by stepping sideways and thinking quite smartly on its feet.
As earnestly as they have tried to continue the formerly excellent spy series, everything Gilroy and crew concoct only serves to mock the excellence and passion with which Greengrass delivered his films.
Gilroy's film wants to sound the Bourne business, is desperate to look the Bourne business, but when it comes to doing the Bourne business, Greengrass and Damon style, it has a few more leaps to go.
Like its namesake’s murky past, The Bourne Legacy is an enterprise that is probably best forgotten.
If the makers have any sense they will close the franchise down – but I wouldn't bet against this Legacy paying out a bit more.
The Bourne Legacy may not inspire a generation but it will do just fine, at least until the next James Bond film comes rolling along.
The Bourne Legacy isn’t unwatchable and will pass the time on TV — but it’s blatantly obvious that its only reason to exist is commercial.
Disappointing.
Bourne again, and again, and again
The Bourne Legacy: 'Fear changes everything'
General release. Check local listings for show times.