With The Bourne Ultimatum set to become an instant blockbuster when it opens on Friday, it’s about time we at PopWatch deal with the question that everybody’s been talking about since Matt Damon’s series started five years ago: Which JB do you prefer — Jason Bourne or James Bond? Simple.
Or is it? Sure, for a long time, Jason was the hands-down winner. After all, The Bourne Identity introduced a much more visceral, energetic, edgy kind of spy thriller to audiences in 2002 — the same year in which my man Pierce Brosnan’s 007 went out with a whimper in Die Another Day. But then, all of a sudden, unexpectedly, as if out of nowhere, Daniel Craig thoroughly reinvigorated the James Bond franchise last year with Casino Royale, a film that certainly owed a huge debt to the Bourne flicks — but, in my opinion, exceeded them.
So, that’s right, my vote’s for James. What about yours?
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James Bond, no question. Especially now that Daniel Craig is playing him.
Jason Bourne is the new hero. He’s more than just an agent, he’s a real man.
There’s no need to compare there’s room for both.
Bourne, Bourne, Bourne. I liked Casino Royale, but the whole reason it was was good was because they changed it up to be more like . . . a Bourne movie!
Bourne all the way!
Bourne. This character is cool, whereas James Bond has always been a caricature to me; I never have been a fan.
Bourne – no question.
I am greedy and I want them both! I’m a huge fan of both series. I did see ‘Casino Royale’ four times in the theater and neither of the ‘Bourne’ flicks have inspired that kind of rewatch… yet.
Jason Boring mainly runs away runs away runs away runs away runs away! Daniel Craig’s James Bond doesn’t run away and hide.
Bond. Read the Fleming novels, you’ll see why.
I agree that the new Bond was probably strongly modeled after the Bourne movies, but I also agree that Casino Royale surpassed them.
While Bourne is badass, he’s kind of an empty vessel (then again the reason we don’t know that much about him is because he doesn’t know that much about himself)
Not only is the new Bond genuinely badass, but Craig’s Bond has killer style, the cars and he’s got that legendary touch with the ladies.
Bourne – because he’s not a ladies man in the middle of all the fighting. *g* Plus he uses his fists instead of fancy gadgets. There’s something so basic and raw and primal about him in comparison to Bond.
Totally Bourne !!
I, too, am torn. I think the Bourne movies are good because Matt Damon is a great actor. There’s a human quality Jason Bourne where James Bond is in it mostly for the thrills. But James Bond is a legend. Without him, there would be no Bourne. James Bond is fun to watch because the entire series is tongue in cheek. In the Bourne movies, you wonder what this would be like if it were you. In Bond, you get a great escape from reality. Both are fabulous and I refuse to choose. It’s too much like Sophie’s choice.
Bond…always has been, always will be the best.
Bond, James Bond! How can you even compare three decent movies with centuries of classic Bond movies?! Plus, Daniel Craig is WAY hotter that Matt Damon… blue swimming shorts anyone?!
James Bond A.K.A Daniel Craig, ever since he came out in those powder blue swimming trunks, I’ve become a fan. I’m not one to watch these type of movies but when you give me a hunk of flesh to look at, I’m there.
Matt Damon is losing his edge. Physically he’s let himself go and soon he’ll be playing nothing but cop roles, I mean a cop eating a roll.
Pft…Bond is an empty character. There is nothing there and all of his dialogue is one-liners. Bourne is a rich character that has layer upon layer of issues. Bond is nothing but a walking poster child for STIs and Liver Disease.
I would be Daniel Craig’s Bond Girl anyday but if I were looking strictly at the charachters (and not the actors) I’d have to go with Bourne b/c he doesn’t need the fancy gadgets and seems to be more of a thinker in addition to action hero when compared to James Bond. Sort of comparing a Ginsu knife to a blunt instrument . . .
My first thought was: can’t I have both? Second thought: it’s like comparing apples and oranges – just because they’re both about spies doesn’t mean they’re in any other way similar. Third, if I must choose… Bond all the way. I’ve watched each Bourne movie once, whereas I own several Bond movies and have watched them more than… erm… ok, often (only Connery and Craig need apply).
I’m 23…ive seen the older bonds, which were awesome for their time….but BORING now. The new bonds cannot compete with the thrilling action of Bourne. I choose Damon’s character.
Bond. All the way. The Bourne flicks are strictly popcorn fluff. Bond is the better, more developed spy genre action hero, especially Daniel Craig’s new take on the longtime MI-6 agent.
DEFINITELY BOURNE ! Why? Because Bourne kicks ass with his bare hands while Bond has to use his silly gadgetry…
I really haven’t been enamored with the Bourne movies so far, but the books by Ludlum are great. Screen-wise I would go for Bond w/ the Casino Royale recharge.
Without the James Bond movies, there would have not been a Bourne film to reinvent them. But Daniel Craig as Bond obliterated Jason Bourne off the screen. I’m gonna have to go with BOND on this one.
Love them both and refuse to choose. Both the new Bond and Bourne are the kind of compelling, character-driven action movie I’m willing to pay money to see…you know, the kind that appeals to adults instead of 12-year-old boys.
I feel like I read this somewhere…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20056047/
both!! i agree
Bourne. He had me at the magazine beatdown.
I really loved The Bourne Identity. The Bourne Supremacy…not so much. The new one looks great, but if the camera moves faster than the action like the last film, I’ll be getting seasick again, which means I’ll probably never watch it again. Bond, on the other-hand, is always entertaining and (most importantly) rewatchable. Casino Royale was just a pure adrenaline rush and Daniel Craig is one bad-*ss action star. My vote is for Bond, James Bond.