'The Adjustment Bureau' Movie Review

First time feature film director George Nolfi scores big with his rookie effort, The Adjustment Bureau. Nolfi, screenwriter of Ocean's Twelve and The Bourne Ultimatum, must have made quite a connection with Matt Damon on the set of those two films as their collaboration on The Adjustment Bureau has brought out something special and solid in the 40 year old two-time Oscar nominated actor (and Oscar-winning screenwriter of Good Will Hunting). Nolfi's edgy script (adapted from the Philip K Dick story) and smooth direction get the best out of Damon who's never been this good as the romantic lead before. And as the woman Damon can not get out of his mind, Emily Blunt is just terrific.

The Adjustment Bureau's a refreshing hybrid, mixing action, thrills, science fiction, romance and comedy together in a fast-paced format that never fails to engage the audience. It's a bizarre yet romantic tale that should appeal to both sexes equally, a pleasantly refreshing twisted take on what's actually a very simple love story. Sure, the plot doesn't make a lot of sense upon close examination, but it's so entertaining you won't care.

The Story

Matt Damon stars as rising politician David Norris, a real charmer who has a shot at becoming a U.S. Senator. However, a tabloid gets a hold of some damaging photos and David's ascension in the political ranks to the position of senator is no longer within his grasp. Losing an election is a major event, but a brief encounter with a pretty ballerina named Elise (Emily Blunt) actually turns out to be even more important. Sparks fly when Elise and David interact in the mens room at the Waldorf Astoria in what turns out to be a life-altering event for them both.

David is instantly infatuated with the intelligent and witty Elise, but he doesn't think there's a chance he'll ever see her again. And, David's not meant to see Elise again. Harry (Anthony Mackie) and Richardson (John Slattery), strange men in hats who 'adjust' people's lives in order to keep them on their preordained paths, have actually been assigned to make sure David and Elise will never cross each other's paths again. Who are these men and why is it so important to keep David and Elise apart? As the film plays out we come to basically understand who these men work for and why they need to keep David and Elise separated. There is a plan for our lives and David, after getting a sneak peek behind the curtain at the organization he was never supposed to know about, has to decide if his connection with Elise justifies an attempt at challenging his fate.

The Acting

Damon and Blunt have fantastic, seemingly effortless chemistry. In fact, they're so good together I'd love to see them tackle a straight comedy or a serious relationship drama in the future. There's a connection there between them that just can't be faked. Taken individually, Damon and Blunt are charismatic actors. When you combine their talents, they're capable of charming the pants off audiences. And given a film like The Adjustment Bureau where it's imperative you get the audience to take the leaps in faith needed to go along with the subject matter, Damon and Blunt prove to be the perfect choices to pull off such a feat.

The supporting cast is equally up to the task of selling this sci-fi fantasy thriller romance. Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, and Terence Stamp are outstanding and help make The Adjustment Bureau into a real must-see.

The Bottom Line

Changing tone often and sampling from many different genres, The Adjustment Bureau happily keeps itself from being placed neatly in a box. It's a rarity in that it treats its audience to an intelligent story and doesn't feel the need to have to spell every single thing out. How refreshing to sit through a film that's not the same old story recycled for the umpteenth time and hasn't been created just to squeeze out a few more dollars from ticket buyers.

The trailers, as often happens, don't do justice to The Adjustment Bureau. Whatever your preconceived ideas are of the film, it's likely the end product will take you by surprise. This nifty production has a little bit of something for everyone.

GRADE: B+

The Adjustment Bureau was directed by George Nolfi and is rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexuality and a violent image.

Theatrical Release: March 4, 2011