2002, PG-13, 119 minutes

The Bourne Identity is the perfect example of why I really hate Hollywood sometimes. If you've read Robert Ludlum's spy novel from the mid-1980's, then you already know it's an incredible piece of popcorn entertainment, even if it is a little cold war dated. With the release of this alleged "adaptation," the late Mr. Ludlum is probably rolling over in his grave.

What's wrong with the film is that it has almost nothing to do with the book it's based on. Sure, the very basic premise is still there, but other than that Ludlum's influence is pretty much non-existent. Aside from the opening sequence where Bourne (played nicely by Matt Damon) is dragged out of the Mediterranean Sea full of bullets and with no memory, not a single scene remains faithful to the book, including the complete removal of the assassin Carlos, the story's primary antagonist.

I am by no means one of those literary assholes who goes around telling people "the book was SO much better," but if a film is going to be based on a novel, the very least the people making it could do is read more than the description on the back cover. In fact, I did some digging around and read some interviews after seeing the film, hoping that I might be able to discover what the hell happened. As it turns out, director Doug Limon (Swingers, Go) instructed the guy who originally "adapted" the story to only read the back cover and work from there. Why?! If Ludlum has already crafted a brilliant, riveting story and you're supposed to be adapting it, why not work with what is already offered? This madness is inexcusable in my mind, and truly makes me question Liman's sanity.

After anticipating the release of The Bourne Identity for well over a year, I was so immensely disappointed by this betrayal that there is no way I can write a fair, clear-headed review and I advise you to read the opinion of someone who can. In all fairness, I will say The Bourne Identity isn't really too bad for a lightweight thriller despite the occasional scene here or there that falls flat, but do yourself a favor and read the book instead.