KEY POINTS:
The Bourne Ultimatum hits New Zealand cinemas this week, having already topped the US box office and garnered worldwide acclaim.
As the franchise returns to the big screen, Matt Damon has been doing the media rounds and recently sparked controversy with his comments on fellow superspy, James Bond.
"The Bond character will always be anchored in the 1960s and in the values of the 1960s. Bond is an imperialist and a misogynist who kills people and laughs about it, and drinks Martinis and cracks jokes," Damon told reporters.
Which has left us wondering, is he right, or is he jealous? Just who is the better spy - Bourne or Bond?
In addition to sharing initials and a licence to kill, the secret agents have something else in common. Both have earned a 94% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes for their latest films, Casino Royale and the Bourne Ultimatum.
But it seems the similarities end there. We take a look at the life and times of James Bond and Jason Bourne to determine just who is the more super spy.
Personality-wise the pair sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. Bond is the pinnacle of a charming Englishman, smooth and debonair, while Bourne is rather more desperate, a tortured soul seeking redemption.
When it comes to the ladies, Bond is notorious for his womanising ways. Indeed, many would argue the film franchise would not be where it is today were it not for the bevy of Bond girls that grace each film.
Bourne, on the other hand, is a one woman man, spending his days pining for his dead girlfriend Marie.
Beautiful women aren't the only thing Bond has a penchant for. Fast cars are just as synonymous with 007 and his latest ride - an Aston Martin DBS - was described by one reviewer as "pornography on wheels".
Bourne prefers to keep things low-key, jacking any vehicle in the vicinity, whether it be a taxi, police car or even a moped.
Gadgets and gizmos are also a key component of any Bond film, from invisible cars to exploding pens. Bourne, however, opts for everyday items, such as magazines and electric cords to fight off his attackers.
Finally, we have to consider outward appearances. In-keeping with his slick personality, Bond is forever saving the day in style, with his tux in tact.
Bourne shows rather less flair with his wardrobe choices, adopting a uniform of functional, black garb.
So with better clothes, better cars, better toys and better women, Bond is our pick for the better spy. But what do you think? Bourne or Bond?
BOX OFFICE
Since opening in America on August 3, the Bourne Ultimatum has earned US$167.6 million.
The previous two films, The Bourne Identity and the Bourne Supremacy earned US$213.3 million and US$272.8 million respectively.
Last year, Casino Royale earned a staggering US$593.6 million worldwide, while the previous two Bond films, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day, earned US$361.7 million and $431.9 million.
- NZHERALD STAFF