Bourne vs. Bond: Who ya got?

boolelani Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 12:41 PM EST

what bond lack in depth makes up for it in length

Arie Tue, Oct 2, 2007 at 10:20 AM EST

Bourne of course.
Daniel's Royale, i love it, but gotta admit it, Casino Royale reboots the whole Bond license *because of* and mimicking the sleeper hit Bourne films.

Bourne sets the standard for all spy movies to come, Bond's included. So that's basically saying Bourne just gave Bond a proper lesson how to be a ruthless spy with heart (Royale) than the previous BOnd "guilty pleasure" films.

Janet Tue, Aug 7, 2007 at 12:59 PM EST

I just watched the first two Bourne films in preparation for the third but I still don't like those films as much as I instantly liked Casino Royale. The first film was good but the second one lost my interest near the 2 hour mark. Casino Royale is regularly in my DVD player so I vote Bond.

GeeMoney Mon, Aug 6, 2007 at 11:27 AM EST

It would have been better to post this question AFTER Bourne Ultimatum came out, because after seeing that film, I may have to change my vote to Bourne. The movie was awesome!

Brenda Sun, Aug 5, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

I can't even put into words how incredible Matt Damon's Bourne is. Before Daniel Craig, I had never even seen a Bond movie. I never had an interest. The only reason I gave Craig's Bond a chance is because it seems to resemble/model more of the action and intensity of Matt Damon's Jason Bourne movies. And, I think Damon's performance is incredible with how Jason Bourne. It is very angsty. I mean he is constantly at war with himself needing to be this assassin, but then hating those same characteristics a second later.

Heleno Fri, Aug 3, 2007 at 08:42 AM EST

Easy - Bourne. Get Paul Greengrass on the subject sometime if you've got an hour to spare and he'll back me up. Bourne's anti-authority; Bond's in the establishment's pocket. Bourne just wants to live a quiet life and atone for his sins; Bond gets off on killing people, or at least is sociopathic enough not to care. Bourne's a one-woman kinda guy; Bond beds 'em and barely blinks when they're killed 5 minutes later - or kills them himself. Not even a contest.

Letterdavidman Fri, Aug 3, 2007 at 06:45 AM EST

Bond, of course. Unless it's the Brosnan Bond films. God, Brosnan was the bane of that franchise, wasn't he?
But if we're talking about anyone else as Bond (yes, even George Lazenby), ESPECIALLY Connery or Craig, then Bourne will ALWAYS pale in comparison to Bond.
And to the 23 year old who assessed the older Bond movies as "boring", call me in a few years when you've developed some actual taste (and maybe a few more pubes).

Lana Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:46 PM EST

Bond. Only if it's Daniel playing. He's effective in bringing down the baddies then walks away like a Calvin Klein model. Bourne's a rough cut.

Ricky Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:21 PM EST

Bond doesn't need shaky camera work to look cool. Bond doesn't even need color film. Bond just IS.

I still like Bourne and will be seeing it tomorrow but Bond is and always will be the best. Oh, and for those who say Bond lacks depth rent On Her Majesty's Secret Service...NOW.

Let's check the score board:
James Bond . . . 21
Jason Bourne . . 3

Now if Bourne can go another thirty-five years and eighteen more films then you might have something but right now it's no contest.

H2 Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:46 PM EST

Bond every time (well, apart from the Roger Moore era and a few others).

For those who go on about Bond being reliant on gadgets, you need to do some reading as well as watching a number of the movies (including Casino Royale) as you are basing your views on incomplete/inaccurate data ...

chippy Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:26 PM EST

I think Matt Damon is so cute,blessed with wholesome good looks,acting skills galore..and he seems on the surface to be a very nice young man...so my vote is with him and the Bourne movies.

monica Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:18 PM EST

i think jason bourne would kick "james bond's" ass, but not daniel craig's ass.

kcholt68 Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 06:41 PM EST

No contest: Bond kicks Bourne's ass hands down.

- kch, http://moviedearest.blogspot.com/

ckhutch Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 05:33 PM EST

If the bond series continues in the sam manner as casino royale then bond is the more entertaining, but in terms of the quality of the entire series and kick-assitude, bourne is the clear winner.

Dio_K Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 04:53 PM EST

The thoughtful intelligent Bourne wins hands-down for me.

wraith808 Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 04:48 PM EST

bond. For so long, bond hasn't followed the books... he's been a caricature of the character Fleming made. That's not the way Connery was, and that's not the way Craig is. *These* are the true Bond's. And they trump a Bourne any day, though I like both series.

Nathaniel Baltimore Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 04:46 PM EST

Bourne. Hands down.

anne Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 03:49 PM EST

I vote for Bourne but Craig's Bond is coming in very close. Maybe a few more Bond and I will change my mind.

What I like about Bourne is that he seems more dangerous than Bond. Also, their is the element of loneliness and vulnerability about him. Its his isolation, hard shell and mysteriousnes that makes him sexy and bad. the way he keeps all his emotions in check. which is almost the opposite of what makes Bond sexy and bad.

Hutchy Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 03:22 PM EST

I mentioned this before, but for some reason, Matt Damon simply isn't cool. The closest he came to cool was Rounders, but he suffered in comparison to Ed Norton, one of the kings of absolutely effortless cool (watch 25th Hour). Like in the Bourne Ultimatum trailer, when Bourne has that "if you were in your office, we would be having this conversation face to face" line. That should be a killer line, but yet......I mean, it is OK, but he just doesnt have the OOOMPH that it should have.

Ep Sato Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 03:13 PM EST

If we go by source material, Bond wins. The Ian Fleming novels were amazing, and where the Bond movies failed was their attempts to get away from the mystique. Casino Royale was "Connery before You Only Live Twice" good because, like the Connery flicks before "You only live twice" it flowed like a Fleming Novel. If the next few Bond flicks follow that vibe, I'm with Bond all the way.

Besides, Bourne's fun, but doesn't have the suave charm of Bond. Bond also gets points because he's never been played by Matt Damon.

nancy Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

Can't loose with either of them (as long as Craig is Bond) - Action, smart, and HOT. Winning combo that has me paying attention. . .but hubby had to drag me to Bond and I am excited to see Bourne so he wins.

Anna Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 03:03 PM EST

Bond is a classic character that has (and will) age well. I find it difficult to compare him to Bourne since he's been around for such a short time. Ask me in 10 or 20 years and THEN we'll see who's on top (I figure it would be Bond, hands down).

Ruby Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 02:51 PM EST

Noticing that this debate is really spilt in half. I have to say I'm having a hard time choosing myself. Before Daniel Craig's Bond, I might have said Bourne, but since Craig walked out of that water with those shorts, looking so manly (hard to do being English b/c mostly they are pretty) & yummy, it's really tough choice. So leaning towards Bond, he's a classic. But I must say Ed, you are so wrong. Matt Damon, though not my type despite being generally attractive, is a superb actor across the board. Soft and losing his edge are descriptions that just do not apply to him. He's the real deal.

Hutchy Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 02:49 PM EST

Here is the nearly-fatal flaw of the Bourne movies: Julia Stiles. Here is the ACTUAL fatal flaw of the Bourne movies: Bourne Supremacy sucked. That has to be one of the most overrated movies of the last 5 years. When Joan Allen was like "You want to go home tonight? GET ME JASON BOURNE!!" I actually burst out laughing in the middle of the theater at the pure cheesy cliche campiness of that moment. Granted, Bourne Identity blew away any of the post-Goldeneye Brosnan Bonds, no doubt, but come on...Casino Royale??!?!? AKA most Kick-a$$ action movie in years?? Just ask yourself this: will Bourne ever have a moment as cool as when Bond comes back to the poker table after nearly dying of poison, looking like he just went for a little afternoon stroll, and the villain is sitting there looking like he needs a clean pair of shorts? Matt Damon (even in the Oceans movies) has to work 5 times as hard to look 1/10th as cool as Daniel Craig. Case Closed.

matchkitjohn Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 02:49 PM EST

I would say right now Bourne. Casino Royale is obviously a reaction to the success of the Bourne movies. Two more Craig Bond movies and I will revisit.

treadstone j Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 02:18 PM EST

Bourne is he more realistic spy. He uses his brains and his training. Bond uses a martini, tricked out car and a condom. If being a spy was that easy my college roomate could have done it and he wasn't that bright. Bourne for president

Mack Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 01:44 PM EST

Bond over Bourne. You must be outta your mind.

clare-clare Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 01:39 PM EST

Yeah yeah I'm gonna still go w/ CASINO ROYALE completely pilfered a lot of its new style from the Bourne movies... but you're right. It surpassed them.

Bourne might be able to kick some ass and emote in a realistic way...

but Bond (and by this I of course mean Daniel Craig) is sooooo effortless, sexy, cool, smartass and just plain badass!

AND YOU'RE FORGETTING THE MOST IMPORTANT EDGE!!! - James Bond has the Aston Martins, baby!

Nicole Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 01:38 PM EST

Bond may have a license to kill, but Bourne is a weapon. Bourne wins.

Chris Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 01:13 PM EST

Bond is quintessential cool. Bourne is too, in his own little way, but what's the fun in having international sexploits if you can even remember them the morning after?

Kris Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 01:12 PM EST

Bourne! Hands down! I can't stand Bond. He bores the crap out of me.

karen Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 01:01 PM EST

Jack Bauer!

meb3q Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 12:58 PM EST

That's really tough. I concede the point on the magazine beatdown--classic--but Daniel Craig is hot and Casino Royale rejuvenated an otherwise dying series. With that said, I'll wimp out and say both.

Catherine Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 12:54 PM EST

Bond, without a doubt. (especially if is Daniel Craig!!)

Crystal Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

Love Identity and Royale. I'll go with Bond to make out with and Bourne to kick some ass, BUT Daniel Craig really made the ass kicking work too... This is really hard...

Jenny Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:58 AM EST

No contest. Bond. What kind of question is this?

Alex Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

You forgot another spy with the initials, JB. Three way match pitting James Bond against Jason Bourne against Jack Bauer.

aramis Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:52 AM EST

When it comes to the question of Matt vs. Daniel...Uhm, Daniel, no contest. But Bourne vs. Bond...one is timeless, one is new...it's like asking Aretha or Beyonce? While each is good in their own right, it's hard to compare. It also depends on who's playing Bond because Craig was perfect as Bond, where if you had Tim Dalton's Bond vs. Bourne, I mean there's no other option but to choose Bourne. Which again poses the question: Damon or Craig? And I've already answered that...

Court Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

Bond all the way. Go read a Fleming novel--Craig is Fleming's Bond.

Jane Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

Daniel Craig is freaking hot. No way can pug-ugly Matt Damon out style Craig. And besides, its Bond. Enough said.

Suz Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:37 AM EST

I've seen Casino Royale but none of the Bourne movies, so perhaps I'm not the best one to judge, but if it's strictly Daniel Craig vs. Matt Damon, Craig wins hands down. He is the best James Bond I've seen and he's reinvigorated the series.

GeeMoney Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:31 AM EST

These guys are both soooo fabulous that it's hard to choose. But if I absolutely had to, I would pick Bond. Daniel Craig rocked this year as James Bond, not to mention, Bond has a more fabulous car than Jason Bourne. Sorry Matt Damon! I still love you though.

blaine Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:31 AM EST

Bourne and its not even close..

Marnie Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

While Matty D hasn't been strutting in nothing but bathing shorts... I. Don't. Think. I . Can. Decide. Head. About. To. Explode.

Will Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:26 AM EST

How dare you dis Die Another Day! Have Daniel Craig or Matt Damon been chased across an ice tundra in a rocket car by THE SUN??? I think not!

Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:13 AM EST

Bourne....no contest

Kevin Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 11:07 AM EST

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.

thwarted Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 10:51 AM EST

Bourne. He had me at the magazine beatdown.

Dana Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 10:34 AM EST

both!! i agree

DeJa Vu Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 10:24 AM EST

I feel like I read this somewhere...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20056047/

Martha Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 10:17 AM EST

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.

Mozz Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 10:14 AM EST

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.

ronaldo Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:56 AM EST

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.

Darby Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:52 AM EST

DEFINITELY BOURNE ! Why? Because Bourne kicks ass with his bare hands while Bond has to use his silly gadgetry...

Henry Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:46 AM EST

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.

Nick Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:40 AM EST

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.

Lene Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:36 AM EST

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).

Melanie Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:23 AM EST

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 . . .

Tim Lade Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:22 AM EST

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.

Ed Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:16 AM EST

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.

Anna Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 09:13 AM EST

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?!

Auriana Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:58 AM EST

Bond...always has been, always will be the best.

Cece Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:46 AM EST

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.

Valerie Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:19 AM EST

Totally Bourne !!

Maveness Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:14 AM EST

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.

Ceballos Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:09 AM EST

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.

Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:09 AM EST

Bond. Read the Fleming novels, you'll see why.

Tom Strong Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:04 AM EST

Jason Boring mainly runs away runs away runs away runs away runs away! Daniel Craig's James Bond doesn't run away and hide.

Wendy Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 08:01 AM EST

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.

Winona Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:57 AM EST

Bourne - no question.

Joe C Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:57 AM EST

Bourne. This character is cool, whereas James Bond has always been a caricature to me; I never have been a fan.

Michele Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:55 AM EST

Bourne all the way!

GingerCat Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:54 AM EST

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!

Shirley Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:37 AM EST

There's no need to compare there's room for both.

Laura Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:33 AM EST

Jason Bourne is the new hero. He's more than just an agent, he's a real man.

emma Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 07:28 AM EST

James Bond, no question. Especially now that Daniel Craig is playing him.