Matt’s Review: ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ Could Have Been More, But Was Worth Watching

GRADE: B-

This film stars two of my absolute favorite actors of all-time in Matt Damon and the gorgeous Emily Blunt. The fact they are paired together as an inseparable couple made this one of my must-see movies in March. It definitely was highly anticipated for more reasons other than the teaming of these Hollywood elite. The fight for romance is something that always intrigues me, especially against a hallowed group of men in fedora hats protecting destiny and adjusting an individual when they “get off course.”

Damon plays an up and coming politician named David Norris who polarizes the public with his brash attitude and non-traditional stance on politics. He meets a bizarre woman named Elise hiding from hotel security in the mens bathroom stall where he is holding a political rally. The sparks fly between the two, but an unknown force who plays the role of fate known as The Adjustment Bureau will do everything they can to prevent them from being together.

After a second chance meeting on a bus, David cannot get Elise out of his head. He does everything he can to be with Elise despite the warnings from the bureau to stay away from her. Now David is stuck fighting for a blossoming relationship with a woman he barely knows against a powerful band of men all dressing like the film is set in the 1920′s. Don’t you think modern day New Yorkers would wonder, “WTF is up with these eight dudes rolling around like they are buddy-buddy with John Dillinger?”

The acting is absolutely worth mentioning. Of course Blunt and Damon are two of the best in the game, but the film also features the talents of Anthony Mackie and Terrance Stamp. Personally, I was disappointed with what Mackie brought to the table; he was good at times and much less than that at others. One thing this story obviously needs is chemistry between this dynamic budding couple. Blunt and Damon have the look and feel of lovers bound to be together against all odds. This bond was what made The Adjustment Bureau worth watching.

The story itself took way too long to really pick up. The characters are introduced early on and given some depth, but I had a difficult time getting involved until about an hour in. Once the story got going I was glued on the spot awaiting the conclusion to this ominous tale. Credit director/screenwriter George Nolfi for building up the characters and their conflict and having them collide in spectacular fashion. As Norris defies The Adjustment Bureau and their warnings to leave Elise alone, the stakes are raised as they pursue the couple with their unusual powers attempting to pry them apart.

The details surrounding The Adjustment Bureau itself were fairly murky. I believe this was done on purpose to build up the uncertainty of their breadth and power. They act divine, but don’t call themselves gods or give themselves any religious affiliations. This vagueness can bother some people, but in this film it worked on some levels. I was left wanting more information about the fedora filled group, but it didn’t hurt the progress of the narrative. However, the ambiguity of the bureau should been given some clarity to give the audience a better definition of the ‘bad guys’ in this film.

Overall, The Adjustment Bureau was a solid action flick mixed with some romance surrounding well written central characters. The movie was hurt by a narrative that takes far too long to take off and a group of antagonists that are poorly defined. Any fan of Blunt or Damon will enjoy seeing these two stars together. This was the first film I had to pay for in a long while and I didn’t feel cheated out of my money once I walked out. Safe to say it was worth the price of admission.

What Should You Do? If you like thrillers with some good chases, a love affair, and a few laughs, definitely get out and see The Adjustment Bureau.