This past Wednesday, I disguised myself as a college student and attended a sneak preview of the upcoming Matt Damon thriller/action/drama The Adjustment Bureau in the Indiana University Whittenberger Auditorium. Let me tell you, this event was definitely worth becoming "human," even if for a little over two hours.
Prior to the screening, I had heard a little buzz for this film, so I checked out the trailer. At first glance, the movie feels like a crazy hybrid of the Matrix and one of the Bourne movies: A secret organization of what seems to be government agents has the power to change human behavior, and now they are chasing the only guy who knows the truth: Matt Damon's character, New York politician David Norris. As the film unfolds, however, this theory is discredited in favor some much more original flavor.
Now, without spoiling the entire movie, let me try and get you hooked. David Norris is a refreshing young face on the New York political scene. During his campaign for office, he runs across Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), a dancer who reminds him what a life outside of politics might be. The two part after a brief moment, but reunite several months later. However, Fate has predetermined that these two are not meant to be. When Norris walks in on a coworker being given time-stop reprogramming by the Agents of Fate, he is told to forget all about it and continue living his life without telling anyone, or his gets wiped. Permanently. But he also learns this: Fate has predetermined that he and Elise are not meant to be, no matter the connection they feel. Norris must choose: The woman he is falling in love with, or his political career. What transpires is a desperate race to avoid the Agents of Fate, The Adjustment Bureau, and to prove that humans are capable of choosing their own destiny.
Overall, I really enjoyed this movie, more than any prior Matt Damon movie (I don't count Ocean's 11, and lets be honest, the sequels don't count to anyone). The storyline, while based on Phillip K. Dick's short story "Adjustment Team," is different kind of movie, not at all Matrix/Bourne mutant, but an "action" movie with elements of romance, drama, and humor. The action isn't over-the-top, but always bubbling just under the line of panic on the part of Damon and Blunt, two actors who have amazing on-screen chemistry, both in romantic and dramatic settings. Furthermore, the film does get a leg up thanks to many seamless transitions during chase scenes motivated by doors which transport a person miles with the turn of a knob. You will have to see it to understand! However, the entire thing can't be perfect. The only major complaint I have to voice is with the character of Richardson, a member of the Adjustment Bureau. While his fellow agents remain stoic and reluctant throughout, Richardson seems to serve as an unneeded source of comic relief, uttering expletives the second he becomes exasperated; unneeded, but not near enough to ruin this great film.
In "The Adjustment Bureau," Matt Damon frantically tries to defy Fate, something I personally can identify with. Does he succeed? Or lose his mind? I guess you will just have to see. Do I recommend you do? Let my rating speak for me:
4.5/5 Bolts.
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