Matt Damon reprises his secret agent role as Jason Bourne from "The Bourne Identity" (2002). When US government operatives are murdered in an operation that goes bad, Jason Bourne is suspected as the killer because of a fingerprint found at the scene.

Julia Stiles has a higher profile role in this film than her near-cameo appearance in the first movie. Damon’s girlfriend is Franka Potente ("Run Lola Run"), who also co-starred in "The Bourne Identity." With Joan Allen ("The Notebook"), in a tough yet tempered performance, and Brian Cox ("The Bourne Identity" and "Troy") in key roles, this adds up to an exciting adventure.

The film is alive with fast paced action, plenty of chases, look them in the eye hand to hand combat, dirty government officials, capitalist power plays, the surprise demise of key characters when you least expect it and a travelogue of European scenes. Kind of sounds like the headlines on a high alert day. In particular, seeing much of the outskirts of Moscow was fascinating.

Last year there was a lot of hype about who the next action star would be. Right now three actors that seem to be on top of their game in this genre, and who can project dramatic depth, are Damon, Tobey Maguire ("Spider- Man 2") and Clive Owen of "King Arthur." Current wannabes include Vin Diesel, Ben Affleck and The Rock.

Director Paul Greengrass ("Bloody Sunday") knows how to provide a gritty feel with a polished look, even down to making an expected car chase scene literally breathtaking. Although the film does not end with a cliffhanger, but a bit of interesting information Pamela Landy reveals to Bourne in the closing moments, we are anxious to see Jason Bourne in his next adventure.