THIS film serves as a good example of the golden rule of filmmaking - that sequels are never as good as the original.

Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne, now hiding in Goa with his girlfriend Marie and living a seemingly tranquil life.

Only nightmares featuring flashbacks from his murky past as a CIA agent threaten to disrupt the couple's peace.

Until, that is, an assassin shows up to thrust Bourne back into the life he was so desperately hiding from.

There then follows the usual formula of car chases, fight sequences and plot twists - but all fail to ignite any interest in the film or its characters.

Damon seems almost bored in reprising the role of the former hitman/tortured soul.

But then I guess there's only so much you can bring to the role of a man who kills for a living and is therefore fairly devoid of emotion.

Franka Potenta and Julia Stiles, who also play their original characters, also seem to be going through the motions.

The only acting highlight is the ever-reliable Brian Cox.

The camerawork is at times choppy and makes action sequences, which would otherwise be riveting, difficult to follow.

This is a disappointing follow-up and is nothing different from the usual action fodder.

SC