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.

Real Steel - 2011

Touchstone Pictures, Dreamworks SKG, 21 Laps Entertainment

Directed by Shawn Levy

Cast:

• Charlie Kenton – Hugh Jackman
• Max Kenton – Dakota Goyo
• Bailey Tallet – Evangeline Lilly
• Finn – Anthony Mackie
• Ricky – Kevin Durand
• Aunt Debra – Hope Davis
• Marvin – James Rebhorn
• Cliff – Marco Ruggeri
• Tak Mashido – Karl Yune
• Farra Lemkova – Olga Fonda

Story: A former boxer and now fight promoter and operator is near the end of his ropes. His boxing robot has just been destroyed by a bull in an exhibition fight, he owes money to just about everyone, and his friend and partner is about ready to sell her father's gym, a remnant from the days of human boxing. A process server comes and hands him what may be the best solution to his problem. His ex-wife has passed away, leaving their 11 year old son alone. His sister in law wants to adopt the boy, but since her husband is wealthy, Charlie Kenton acts like he will fight the custody hearing and, Marvin, the husband, offers him $100,000 to let the custody go through, half now, half when they return from Italy at the end of the summer. Charlie takes the money, thinking he will use it to buy another robot and leave his son, Max, with Bailey, his partner, for the summer. But Max has other plans. Together, father and son embark on an adventure that reunites them and inspires Charlie to take up the challenges before him.

Review: Okay, we've had robots who learn to think (Terminator, I,Robot, Bicentennial Man), a plane that learned to think (EDI) and computer systems who have learned to think (Colossus, SkyNet), so why not a robot who learns to box? At least this one doesn't do the thinking for himself, although since there will be a sequel in 2014, who knows. For now, let's concentrate on the plot: the age old story of a father reuniting with his son. Sure, its been done, but when the acting is good and the story is given a new twist, it will keep you entertained, if not enthralled. Jackman brings his talents to the forefront in this role, a departure from the grizzled Wolverine and the computer hacker in Swordfish, and his performance creates the air of reality in the film. Evangeline Lilly is easy to look at and plays the part of the tomboyish woman brought up around athletes, savvy businesswoman, and neglected love interest well. Dakota Goyo fits the role well, and you feel the emotion when he speaks and looks at Jackman. “What's with those eyes?” While his role is small, using James Rebhorn as the husband of the sister in law who wants custody of Max was an excellent move. I have long admired the ability of this character actor to pull you into the scene. And speaking of character actors, Kevin Durand is quickly becoming one of the more versatile players, doing good guys and bad guys with equal skill. Real Steal is a treat for the family, a film that will entertain and surprise you with its ability to bring you in. Too early to tell if it's a collectible, but you never know.