Filed under: Reviews
Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick ('Total Recall,' 'Minority Report' and 'Blade Runner'), 'The Adjustment Bureau,' which stars Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Michael Kelly, and Terence Stamp, isn't your typical sci-fi time-travel film.
While the same "boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, and boy-gets-girl-again" plot is in play, this mind-blowing, thought provoking, romantic thriller leaves a lot to the imagination. It ends with surprising results that's enough to keep the audience entertained.
Damon plays David Norris, an young, uprising politician who meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (played by Emily Blunt) on the night of his election.
Little does he know that there's a higher force, with several men known as 'The Adjustment Bureau,' who feel that David is destined for greatness, and that his relationship with Elise will compromise that path.
With the help of a conflicted Bureau member (played by Mackie), David must decide his fate in determining what's best for him: a successful career in politics or being with the love of his life.
Directed by George Nolfi, the sci-fi genre may be the draw to bring in fans, but it's the romantic element that holds the film together. Damon and Blount have a great chemistry on-screen, and their characters' chance encounter, with a well-written dialogue, is something that some may be able relate to.
Unlike 2010's Oscar nominated film, 'Inception,' here's a film, where the issue of fate is not confusing, but examined and leaves the audience wondering if their life is where it's supposed to be. As one of the members of the Adjustment Bureau, Mackie does a great job being a supporting guide to Damon.
Along with a supporting cast that also includes 'Mad Men's' John Slattery as another bureau member and Terence Stamp as the group's enforcer, 'The Adjustment Bureau,' is a spellbinding drama that remains accessible and highly entertaining.