The Adjustment Bureau -2011

Universal Pictures, Media Rights Capital, Gambit Pictures

Directed by George Nolfi

Cast:

David Norris – Matt Damon

Elise Sellas – Emily Blunt

Charlie Traynor – Michael Kelly

Harry Mitchell – Anthony Mackie

Richardson – John Slattery

Story : David Norris, a soon to be Senator from the State of New York, meets a lovely ballerina on a bus one day....and that meeting soon changes his life. He walks into his office to find a group of men in suits and hats doing 'something' to one of his staff members, and when he tries to run for help, he is unable to escape. They explain they are part of the Adjustment Bureau, a group of beings who work behind the scenes in history to keep mankind from destroying the planet. They also tell David he was not supposed to meet Elise, the dancer, and take her number away from him. They release him, and for three years he never sees her. Then, by chance on the same bus where they met three years ago, he meets her again. The Bureau has been watching, and when they discover he has found Emily, the set about trying to prevent them from getting together. But David and Elise are determined to meet, so David devises a plan to intervene and prevent the Bureau from their task.

Review: In case you are not aware of it, this makes Phillip K. Dick officially one of the most influential storytellers in the last 50 years. His books have inspired such Sci Fi classics as Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, and now, the Adjustment Bureau. At least 19 films and television episodes have been created from his works.

The story is an interesting take on the notion there is a God in the universe who is carefully directing the actions and happenings on the planet. Here, of course, the element of 'faith' is removed and instead the Chairman makes plans and has the Adjustment Bureau to make sure the plans are kept on track. These 'agents' merely interfere when they need to, making suggestions that set actions in place. Theology is not in the plan, just a pattern to prevent mankind from becoming extinct by their own hand.

This is a different type of Sci Fi film, and it would take an actor with the flexibility of Matt Damon to play David Norris. His confident yet humble portrayal of the politician is riveting and interesting throughout. Emily Blunt portrays the blossoming ballerina with verve and appeal, sort of a cross between the focused artist and the determined woman who puts her career ahead of herself. Anthony Mackie and John Slattery work well as the adjustment agents sent to sidetrack Norris from reaching Elise.

Overall, the film moves well, offers some interesting twists, and allows us the interesting perspective of predestination without the burden of deity. Rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality, and a few brief scenes of violence, I personally can't think of a single scene that would be too intense for a ten year old. Collectible is a little early to say, but certainly a film you will want to see again.