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.

The Wolfman - 2010

Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Stuber Productions

Directed by Joe Johnston

Cast:

• Sir John Talbot – Anthony Hopkins
• Lawrence Talbot – Benecio Del Toro
• Gwen Conliffe – Emily Blunt
• Singh – Art Malik
• Inspector Abberline – Hugo Weaving
• Maleva – Geraldine Chaplin
• Passenger on the Train – Max Von Sydow

Story: The year is 1891, and a celebrated actor receives a visit from his brother's fiancee to inform him his brother is missing. Lawrence Talbot travels by train to his family's estate, and as he does he is met by a stranger who offers him a gift, a cane with a silver headed wolf for the handle that conceals a dagger within. He refuses and returns to sleep, but when he awakens, the stranger is gone and the cane remains. When he arrives at his father's estate in Blackmoor, he learns his brother's body has been found the day before in a ravine. He views the body, and it is obvious his brother has been mauled by an animal, an animal no one can identify. At first a band of gypsy's are considered the suspects, but when a group of men go to the camp, a vicious attack of the beast leaves several men dead, and Lawrence is seriously wounded. As his wounds miraculously heal, the people of the village are convinced he will become another beast.

Review: Finally! A return to the elements that make up a good old gothic horror film. This homage to the original wolfman films wastes no time in getting to the heart of the story, a werewolf has appeared and is killing men. The pompous men of the town are spouting theories, the brother of the man returns to find the killer of his brother, and the resolution of the film leaves us with both a conclusion and another mystery. The cast is superb. Anthony Hopkins creates an intriguing character in Sir John, with the proper amount of tension played between him and Benecio Del Toro, who plays Lawrence. Emily Blunt is striking in her portrayal of the fiance, Ms. Conliffe, showing the correct Victorian demeanor and just the right levels of emotion. Both Hugo Weaving and Geraldine Chaplin lend an air of mystery and drama in their roles , and the all too brief appearance of Max Von Sydow in the Director's Cut of the film provides the correct level of dynamic mystery to start us off. Collectible of lovers of horror films, and certainly a must see for the older folks who appreciate a well put together film. Rated R appropriately for violence and gore.