A blog dealing with either the joy of cinema or the agony of cinema--nothing in between.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Adjustment Bureau
The Adjustment Bureau blends a silly (which doesn't mean not fun) science-fiction plot with a wonderfully realized romance. Matt Damon stars as a charismatic politician currently running a losing campaign for Senator after a damaging photo was run in the New York Post. While preparing his concession speech on election night in restroom, a young woman emerges from a stall and the two become instantly smitten. Three months later, the two chance to meet again and it seems that fate will take its place. However he soon learns from a team of men in suits and bowler hats that his destiny has already been determined, and that she isn't a part of it and never can be. Now he must face seemingly insurmountable odds to secure a future with the woman he loves before the title agency sees that she is removed from his life forever. I actually went along with the sci-fi plot, until about the 3/4 mark when the story becomes overly ludicrous. I also envisioned a different ending and was slightly disappointed with the one presented. Still I was entertained throughout. The dialogue was well written, the New York locations are well used, and the movie is well acted (I particularly liked John Slattery playing an agency member, who looks like he just walked over from Madison Avenue in his Mad Men get-up). Above all though is the chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, who sparkle every time they share the screen. Their believable courtship carries the film and is one of the more memorable romances seen recently at the movies.