The Adjustment Bureau Film Review

03.05.2011 1:15Am

Gateway Cineplex

P180 LFS w/D

Director: George Nolfi

Starring: Matt Damon and Emily Blunt

I've been waiting for this film for like forever since I saw it's trailer last year. With it's interesting premise and the amazing duo of Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, I am more than excited to see it!

The Adjustment Bureau was based on the short story written by Philip K. Dick entitled, "The Adjustment Team." It's a romance / mystery film that tackles the choices that we make in life. The Adjustment Bureau pertains to a group of men wearing hats who introduces themselves as the watchdog of every people's plan or destiny. Making sure that what is written in the "book" of their life happened as it is. David Norris played by Matt Damon is running for the United States senate. He loses and met the girl who changed the rest of his life. Both fell for each other but the Adjustment Bureau told Matt that meeting Elyse again(Emily Blunt) is not part of his plan. A plan made and written by whom they call the "Chairman."

With David not agreeing at all to let go of Elyse, he devices a plot to change that plan by the help of Harry who is a part of the Adjustment Bureau who feels responsible for what has happened to David, unable to intercept the meeting of David and Elyse for the second time which is not supposed to happen in the first place. David decided to tell Elyse everything and run for their life in hopes of being together notwithstanding what has been planned for them.

It was truly an interesting premise but it just didn't live up to it's promise. It is not "Inception-mind boggling" but it is more of a version of "Inception minus the dreams." In short, it lacks narrative which is supposed to carry on the whole film. I have to admit though, that Matt Damon and Emily Blunt's chemistry was undeniable that you can truly feel their love and the intensity of their emotion.

Analyzing the film now, I was thinking that it may pertain to different aspects of life such as freewill, choices, destiny, faith, fate. The film was like telling us "You cannot control your destiny because It's already been written but it also delivers the message that you're the one who's making all the choices regarding your destiny thus you're really the one controlling it." Absolutely crazy right? I mean, it's up to one's belief of destiny or life as it is, whichever you'd take.

I thought the whole first and second half of the film was a tad bit draggy. It's a bit long to be honest and I only enjoyed the first ten and the last 20 minutes of the film. I would still recommend it though, it's still a good film to lounge over for a couple of hours.

I'll give it a 6.5/10 ratings.

-paddylast