Adjustment Bureau (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
Ever like a film, but can't explain why you like it? That's how I (and friend, Erica) feel about 'The Adjustment Bureau' (written & directed by George Nolfi). David Norris (the perennial Matt Damon) is a wildly popular politician running for a New York Senate seat. He's young, ambitious and, when his shady past catches up with him, he loses an election that he should have had in the bag. He then meets a ballet dancer named Elise (Emily Blunt) in a bathroom as he's preparing to make his conciliation speech. They hit it off. She inspires him. But in a flash, she vanishes; and without giving him her name. 3 yrs. later, on the day when 'chance' brings David & Elise back together, he learns of the existence of The Adjustment Bureau.
After realizing that they've been observed, they capture David. The situation at hand is explained to him (that they can read his mind in God-like fashion & control what he does so as to keep his predetermined future intact). And David is allowed to go free, under 2 conditions: 1) he can't tell anyone about the Bureau (if he does, it's lobotomization time). And 2) he cannot see Elise ... ever again. Just as he falls for her, the Bureau conspires to keep them apart at ALL costs. And from that point on, David's life becomes a continual struggle to live (while knowing The Bureau is following your every move) & figure out a way to be with Elise. He finds her every now & then. But the more successful he becomes, the more The Bureau tightens their reigns; eventually subjecting him to Thompson (Terence Stamp) to resolve the situation at hand. Why are these mysterious forces keeping David & Elise apart? If he never sees her again, can he overcome his grief to forge ahead with the rest of his life (including political success)? Do we control our destiny, or are Big Brother-like forces manipulating us?
Fascinating concept: that humanity is overseen by a 'Bureau' to keep people on their 'path'. And if they stray, then they'd have to be "adjusted" to get back on fate's path. 'The Adjustment Bureau' - contrary to what all the trailers have led on (that it's akin to a Jason Bourne actioner) - is actually about love conquering all. Sure, there is some action, men in suits, lots of running, etc.. But there is also palpable romantic chemistry btwn. the 2 leads. And despite a so-so last 15 minutes of the film ... I didn't mind the weird sci-fi/action/romance combination. If people like this movie, it's because they liked the concept of the film, the humor in the script, & they bought the romance. No one will have loved the film for its "filler" action.
From a visual standpoint, 'The Adjustment Bureau' is stellar. Oscar-winning cinematographer John Toll makes the film look good. The production designs/visual effects (ducking in & out of different doors to different locales in NYC) are incredibly sleek. Emily Blunt is beautiful. And Matt Damon is in hunk mode (again, according to Erica, haha). Damon proves, once again, how versatile he really is; something I hadn't banked on years ago. He can do comedy (Ocean's 11-13, The Informant!, True Grit), he can kick ass (as Jason Bourne), he can do creepy (The Talented Mr. Ripley), & he can do drama (Good Will Hunting, Invictus, Hereafter). Here, he shows off a romantic side. And again, with help from Emily Blunt, he is convincing. I enjoyed the romantic passion which drew David & Elise together. And if Damon & Blunt didn't have that chemistry, the film would have sunk.
More skeptic viewers may find the film's concept to be a bit hokey. I say, 'well of course it is'. There's no such thing as angel-like case workers who adjust our fates to what God wants of us'. It's simply part of the script. Some viewers may want for further explanation of The Bureau. They may have wanted the paranoia that David experiences to come to a crescendo. But the film doesn't go down that path. So, there's a "it is what it is" feel to the end. Overall, even though 'The Adjustment Bureau' has some slow moments & doesn't explain everything as one would crave, the central premise/concept is really cool, the performances are comely, & it's the kind of Friday night film that you shouldn't be disappointed with when leaving the theater.
After realizing that they've been observed, they capture David. The situation at hand is explained to him (that they can read his mind in God-like fashion & control what he does so as to keep his predetermined future intact). And David is allowed to go free, under 2 conditions: 1) he can't tell anyone about the Bureau (if he does, it's lobotomization time). And 2) he cannot see Elise ... ever again. Just as he falls for her, the Bureau conspires to keep them apart at ALL costs. And from that point on, David's life becomes a continual struggle to live (while knowing The Bureau is following your every move) & figure out a way to be with Elise. He finds her every now & then. But the more successful he becomes, the more The Bureau tightens their reigns; eventually subjecting him to Thompson (Terence Stamp) to resolve the situation at hand. Why are these mysterious forces keeping David & Elise apart? If he never sees her again, can he overcome his grief to forge ahead with the rest of his life (including political success)? Do we control our destiny, or are Big Brother-like forces manipulating us?
Fascinating concept: that humanity is overseen by a 'Bureau' to keep people on their 'path'. And if they stray, then they'd have to be "adjusted" to get back on fate's path. 'The Adjustment Bureau' - contrary to what all the trailers have led on (that it's akin to a Jason Bourne actioner) - is actually about love conquering all. Sure, there is some action, men in suits, lots of running, etc.. But there is also palpable romantic chemistry btwn. the 2 leads. And despite a so-so last 15 minutes of the film ... I didn't mind the weird sci-fi/action/romance combination. If people like this movie, it's because they liked the concept of the film, the humor in the script, & they bought the romance. No one will have loved the film for its "filler" action.
From a visual standpoint, 'The Adjustment Bureau' is stellar. Oscar-winning cinematographer John Toll makes the film look good. The production designs/visual effects (ducking in & out of different doors to different locales in NYC) are incredibly sleek. Emily Blunt is beautiful. And Matt Damon is in hunk mode (again, according to Erica, haha). Damon proves, once again, how versatile he really is; something I hadn't banked on years ago. He can do comedy (Ocean's 11-13, The Informant!, True Grit), he can kick ass (as Jason Bourne), he can do creepy (The Talented Mr. Ripley), & he can do drama (Good Will Hunting, Invictus, Hereafter). Here, he shows off a romantic side. And again, with help from Emily Blunt, he is convincing. I enjoyed the romantic passion which drew David & Elise together. And if Damon & Blunt didn't have that chemistry, the film would have sunk.
More skeptic viewers may find the film's concept to be a bit hokey. I say, 'well of course it is'. There's no such thing as angel-like case workers who adjust our fates to what God wants of us'. It's simply part of the script. Some viewers may want for further explanation of The Bureau. They may have wanted the paranoia that David experiences to come to a crescendo. But the film doesn't go down that path. So, there's a "it is what it is" feel to the end. Overall, even though 'The Adjustment Bureau' has some slow moments & doesn't explain everything as one would crave, the central premise/concept is really cool, the performances are comely, & it's the kind of Friday night film that you shouldn't be disappointed with when leaving the theater.