The Adjustment Bureau

Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is The Adjustment Bureau. Written and Directed by George Nolfi. Based on the short story "The Adjustment Team." Written by Phillip K. Dick.

Review #105

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexuality and a violent image.

Runtime: 105 min

Cast

Matt Damon - David Norris

Emily Blunt - Elise Sellas

Michael Kelly - Charlie Traynor

Anthony Mackie - Harry Mitchell

John Slattery - Richardson

Terence Stamp - Thompson


When it comes to the amazing world of science fiction, there's only one name that reigns supreme.

Phillip K. Dick. 

This man has written stories, upon stories, upon stories that have captivated the minds of people and geeks everywhere. But no more present in Hollywood. With the lack of ability or trust of movie scribes today, when tinseltown wants to make a sci fi pic, they turn to good old Phil to entertain and amaze us. Of course, like many adapted works that preceded him, his wonderful vision gets clouded by stupidity, lazy writing or worse, commercial opportunity. Of the many films that were "based" on Dick's work, there are probably only 3 films that make the cut in terms of matching or exceeding his imagination.


Blade Runner


Total Recall


A Scanner Darkly

What followed was flop after flop which brings a tear to my eye. Knowing that most of this geniuses finest writing has been squandered away for reasons unknown or known depending on your point of view. That is until now. George Nolfi has placed his hat into the Phillip K. Dick ring and came out with a pretty damn good, entertaining and thought provoking film.

On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris meets a beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas, a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself. The men of The Adjustment Bureau who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together.

The thing that becomes very evident in this film is the strong religious themes that flow throughout the story. You begin to wonder if this is a sci fi film at all. This doesn't hurt the film in any way. In my opinion, it helps because you end up rooting for David and Elise so much more. That kind of momentum isn't as powerful without the cloudiness of the "adjusters" true identity. The mystery surrounding their origin and tactics also make this film entertaining. You don't know how to feel about them. You like them, then you don't. Normally that would drop the film down a peg or two for me but just like the cross breeding between genres and themes. It works.

The film is exquisitely cast. filled with performers of high caliber and ability. We all know Matt Damon's chops but the rest of the cast hold their own superbly. Highlighted by my brand new celebrity crush. Emily Blunt is just STUNNING! her character is so full of life and energy that she shoots it through the screen at you. She's supposed to be the yin to Damon's yang and that's why they meshed so well together. Their initial meeting was a bit awkward and clumsy but once you get past that, the dynamic between the two is remarkable.

John Slattery does a great job as Richardson. Channeling his Roger Sterling look from Mad Men, he races around NY with a dignity and polish that makes him more than just a character actor. Terrence Stamp and Anthony Mackie do their parts to move things along in the predictable direction that the film takes. Which leads to the bug a boo about The Adjustment Bureau. The ending is predictable and not as rewarding as it probably should have been but if you were invested in David and Elise's journey from the beginning then the final few minutes shouldn't surprise you anyway.

Bottom line, The Adjustment Bureau is a film that is as clear cut as you can get and yet it provides enough entertainment, action, heart, romance and love.That in a word is what the film is about. I had fun watching this film and thinking about what I would do if I was in Damon's position.

How far would you go? How much would you risk? What would it take to be with the one you love?

You be the judge.

On the 5 star scale. The Adjustment Bureau gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Rango to be followed by Batlle: Los Angeles and Red Riding Hood.

Until next episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"