(2012-04-27 20:03:47)

Terrific movie

This review is from: The Adjustment Bureau (Amazon Instant Video) I enjoyed the whole concept of the movie, the fact that one must stay true to self. It seems rare to find a movie these days that is thoughtful and human as this one was. Excellent acting and no down moments. Watch this one with unjaded eyes and enjoy.

clarek1975

(2012-04-27 08:15:50)

Surprisingly meaningful Sci -Fi, love story

I was expecting The Adjustment Bureau to be dark and sinister, insteadit turned out to be a meaningful cross – genre, uplifting love storywhich wasn't very sinister at all; which leads us to question thechoices we make and events of chance or fate that adjust our 'plan'every day.The part Sci-Fi, part love story between Senator elect Norris andcontemporary dancer Elise starts with a chance meeting in a men's room;not so curious when we find the free-spirited gal is gate-crashing aparty. The chemistry of this first encounter and the followingcharming, witty and convincing chance encounters immediately elevateour belief in the romance and allows us to invest care in our would belovers from the start. This makes The Adjustment Bureau work best as alove story; Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are great together as thebeautiful, but thankfully unpolished and believable love-birds.Further events of chance, fate and intervention by "the people who makesure things go according to plan" conspire to pull apart and push ourlovers together. The inevitable head scratching and guesswork starts when we crossgenres and first meet 'Mad men's' John Slattery and Anthony Mackie asthe initially one dimensional chase-giving men from the bureau; taskedto "nudge" Norris back in the right direction. The later entrance ofthe superb Terrence stamp as the quite ruthless 'Thompson' brings someoverdue peril and even grander revelations about "the appearance offree will". It is here where this hybrid could have gone very wrong, but first timedirector Nolfi manages to succeed in the mixing of Sci-fi and lovestory as he ultimately does both very well; binding the two withimportant thought provoking themes, engaging and often charmingscreenplay and strong characterisation; in particular Mackies'portrayal as the "case officer" with a heart.Comedy is provided curiously and possibly unintentionally at times bythe suits of The Bureau. Often haphazard, often just negligent in theirsupposed really important roles, they are one minute virtuallysuperhuman, the next quite inept. Either way, their human likefrailties makes for some genuinely funny moments and also leads us tocare for them too, when they too question their own sense of right andwrong and the choices they make. Director and screenwriter George Nolfi sets a solid pace throughout andkeeps our attention with some well-timed, but slightly predictablereveals and solid direction, with some beautifully framed shots. Theneat score compliments the on screen action well. Fate, chance and the question of how much free will we are trulyafforded run through 'The Adjustment Bureau' and it is these themesthat really give meaning to our protagonists struggle to evade thesupposed plan. Every choice has always been and always will be ofconsequence, every act has repercussions and events can often befateful. Even random chance events have great resonance, chanceseemingly being far more influential than any supposed predeterminedplan. The film and the mixed genre experiment works because of thesethemes as we too begin to question for ourselves and not just followwhat transpires on screen. Everything we do causes a "ripple" and youwill be left with one big question – "24 hours in a day, 24 beers in acase – coincidence?" I WAS expecting The Adjustment Bureau to be dark. I am glad to say thatthe lighter, uplifting and meaningful film I got, rather than theexpected sinister one (suggested by menacingly toned pre-releaseposters and trailers) was in the end; welcome. This perhaps made for amore enjoyable ride than a more formulaic, dark figured men inraincoats (been done before) chase movie. Not to say The AdjustmentBureau sometimes didn't follow a well-trodden formula and isn't withoutflaws; It was executed well and just balances slightly better as acharming meaningful love story; smartly tied together by the thingsthat matter to us all.

Julian Mumford

(2012-04-27 00:15:57)

A well made and more thoughtful film that you might be expecting

What if your own free will was nothing of the sort. Every move you madewas in accordance with a master plan, any kinks or imperfections"adjusted" by persons unknown, constantly on hand to ensure you stayedon track.Many people might assume that their lives are quite the reverse, withall the bad decisions they have made, anything resembling a master planis unlikely.David Norris (Matt Damon) is a rising New York Congressman with hisheart set on becoming a young Senator, everything is going according toplan until he meets the beautiful quirky ballerina, Elise (Emily Blunt)in a mens restroom.Elise inspires him in ways that he could not have imagined but anylonger term relationship is not part of the plan the "Men in Grey" havemapped out. They do not like their careful plans messed with, ever.Although they do get to wear Trilby's, which not only look cool but arealso a necessary tool for their profession.The many scenes between Blunt and Damon are very believable andnatural, real chemistry in action and is fun to watch. Blunt is abreath of fresh air in the congressman's driven life, living more inthe moment than he possibly ever did before.Just when you think the film will descend into a smorgasbord of specialeffects, the story goes into the opposite direction. A thoughtful andcharacter driven piece about choices and the ripple effect each pathtaken, or not taken, has on your own and other peoples lives.Terence Stamp, still with one of the best voices in the business,together with Anthony Mackie & John Slattery, do good work as theagents attempting to get everything back on track.There are some good lines and Damon can play an aspiring politicianwith ease, no doubt he could be one in real life if he chose to move inthat direction.The central question of defining who we are by the choices we make isexplored and it is good to see another movie messing with our heads, ifonly just a little. If we have no free will are we still the people wethought we were, very deep but don't panic, the film does not get toocaught up in this existentialism.The action is limited, there are no cars exploding and the body countis non existent, a refreshing change from most modern films. A filmthat could have been made in the 50's from a story point of view,although actually based on a short story by Phillip K Dick of "DoAndroids dream of electric sheep" fame, the inspiration for "BladeRunner".Production values are good, although not of the highest flight. Thecostumes worn by the adjustment police are rather dodgy and look likeguys with spare motorcycle helmets sprayed black. Not what you wouldexpect in a big budget Hollywood movie, a small point but quitenoticeable.Similar to many films of this genre, the movie has to decide how towrap everything up neatly. The final reel is perhaps a littledisappointing but that depends on how you would want the film to end,somehow it feels that the easier option was taken.Summary A well made and more thoughtful film than you might be expecting.Well acted with a believable romance, a light dusting of Sci-Fi and agreat story. "Inception" lite perhaps, which is certainlyrecommendation enough for any film.http://julesmoviereviews.blogspot.com/

(2012-04-26 02:29:20)

Just OK

Who would have thought, 20 years ago in the "Good Will Hunting" timeframe, that Ben Affleck's career would be on the skids and Matt Damon would be a huge action star? Damon is a superb actor who is capable of carrying virtually any material. He carries this whole silly movie on his back, and the chemistry between him and Emily Blunt helps a lot. You are rooting for them to be together, and they are such great characters and good actors that the story and plot bumps don't interfere too much. The members of the AB are good villians; they are only "following orders," and are not malicious or spiteful. They believe they are right and are just doing a job. As antagonists, they are more complicated than typical movie bad guys.This isn't an SF or fantasy movie so much as religious allegory; an exploration of the nature of the purported plan that some people believe a deity has for us. There is a dark underbelly of such a plan, meaning that you have no free will, and if you manage to somehow exercise it then the minions of that deity have to change you to get you back on the predetermined plan. Your belief in predestination may affect your level of enjoyment of the movie.At the end of the day, it's OK; it's competently done; and you'll have forgotten you ever saw it a month later. Not a bad rent if it's all that's left at the store or in the vending machine on a Saturday night.

MYeah_Gorlomi

(2012-04-23 08:21:11)

2011 starts on a solid note, with plenty of thrills and intellect to go around.

Last year, I started 2010 with Martin Scorsese's fantastic ShutterIsland. Now 2011 has come, and I'm starting the cinematic year off withThe Adjustment Bureau. While I don't think it's a perfect movie, I willsay this much: It is a rock solid movie with thrills and intellect tospare.Matt Damon stars as David Norris, a New York congressman running forsenate. After a huge loss, he has a chance encounter with a mysteriouswoman (Played by Emily Blunt), a woman who after another chance meetingis revealed to be named Elise. But unbeknownst to David, he was onlysupposed to meet her once, as part of a grand plan by an entity ofblack suited overseers. But David decides to challenge his destiny bypursuing Elise, but doing so is an action that could not only destroyhis personal ambitions, but Elise's as well.The screenplay by first time director George Nolfi is an interestingone, and delivers serious food for thought on the concept ofchallenging fate, and the consequences of one's actions and deviations.Nolfi proves he has talent as a director, as he not only keeps a firmgrasp on characterization, stages the action sequences well, or knowswhen to let the cinematography by John Toll, or musical score by ThomasNewman do the storytelling, but he also never strays far from properstructure, tone, and pace.The movie moves quickly, the conversations are interesting, and theensemble cast, specifically that of Matt Damon and Emily Blunt'sperfect chemistry, is terrific. It is worth noting that certainelements of the film can get confusing, and the ending is a bitanticlimactic, but I'd be lying to myself if I said I wasn't enthralledby those 100 minutes. Plus, I have to give praise to KasiaWalicka-Maimone for the film's inventive costumes.It may not be perfect, but I'm very satisfied to have kicked off 2011with The Adjustment Bureau.I give it *** out of ****

saronic6

(2012-04-22 20:07:01)

Thinking up the title is the only merit of this film!

The film deals with two very important philosophical matters (forcesthat control the destiny of all men and use of free will) in a veryfrivolous way.This is very curious for a movie that cost over50.000.000 dollars.The script doesn't have major plot twists.Thecharacters are one-dimensional,which is a huge drawback for a thrillerwith almost no action.There is no emotional stimulation for the spectators.There isn't eventhe slightest passion between the two lovers,so the film doesn't havean impact as a love story either.Matt Damon is efficient as always,but the rest of the actors andactresses offer very unmemorable performances.The direction is uninspired.There isn't any visual satisfactioneither,although the film belongs in a genre with opulent visualdelights.If you want to see a powerful love story in the form of a thriller,"Thenext three days" is a must.You won't regret it...The film was on the shelves for quite some time before its release.Ithink that this fact means a lot... No rabbits out of these hats!

robins88

(2012-04-22 03:02:35)

discount viewing only

I expected to really like this movie given the writer on whose workit's based (Philip K. Dick)and the philosophical issue explored. I amnot a particular fan of Matt Damon, but was interested in seeing himand Emily Blount together. The film was saved only because it had neatNew York scenes and I saw it at a discounted price. The pace was slow,too much time was spent setting up the premise, there seemed to bestrained chemistry between Blount and Damon - although I must admitthat in all of his movies, I never believe him as a romantic lead; healways seems uncomfortable when he is one-on-one and/or physicallyintimate with a woman. The Blount-Damon banter seemed exactly what itwas: contrived. The philosophical conundrum of free will vs. fate isintriguing and absolutely worthy of exploration in a film. This filmisn't the one.

ddelamaide

(2012-04-21 14:38:34)

Silly movie

The plot of this movie is just plain silly, though the stars and theproduction quality make it a watchable kind of silly if that's whatyou're in the mood for. Philip K. Dick has written some genuinely intriguing stories made intomovies (Blade Runner, Minority Report), but this isn't one of them. Inthe Hollywood version, it has some trite metaphysics to distract fromthe banality of the romance. The script and the sight gags displayenough wit to further mask the fact that this is ultimately a veryunsatisfying "toying" with the mind. Since most of the comments seem tobe positive, I suppose that those whose votes are weighing down theaverage simply aren't taking the time to articulate their disapproval.

(2012-04-19 06:09:33)

A bad script poorly executed.

This review is from: The Adjustment Bureau (Amazon Instant Video) I haven't seen a movie this bad in a long time. If you ever wanted to see "Primary Colors" meets "X-men" this is the movie for you. Best watched with friends to make fun of this garbage. I would of taken this movie more seriously if it had starred Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, with some rom-com gags thrown in here or there.

(2012-04-19 00:45:46)

I liked it

This is not the movie the preview shows you. I watched open-mouthed as the real movie reeled by. It was absolutely different, refreshing, and charming. Damon makes smart choices. Believe that, not the trailer.

Quietb-1

(2012-04-16 04:43:24)

It's not a Chiropractor organization.

It's a fantasy, love story as Matt Damon falls for Emily Blunt, asituation that is not in the plan.The "chairman" has his agents to make adjustments if things aren'tgoing along a planned path. Some of the adjustments are tweaks some aremuch more serious.The movie requires some serious suspension of disbelief. It could havebeen a comedy but it is played straight. Plenty of chases and funlocations. Some familiar cable news faces add credibility while theydeliver large doses of exposition.It's entertaining, especially early. Damon and Blunt have goodchemistry and the movie is best when they are together.

G

(2012-04-15 16:38:53)

Not Bad for A Sci-fi Film.

I saw an advanced screening of the film Tuesday night and enjoyed it. The movie is very spiritual and original. The Special Effects were great, but the actors did an excellent job. Anthony Mackie is awesome including Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Although it has a sci-fi feel to it, it is still a great movie and has a commentary on Humanity and ourselves. All I will say is go see the film.

InfertileLime

(2012-04-13 01:08:10)

Advanced Screening

Just got back from an advanced screening here in Virginia and all I cansay right now is, wow. It took it a little bit to start off, but whenit did, it hit. Hard. Like, getting ran over by a truck or thrown up aflight of stairs only to fall back down them..after getting hit by atruck. This is great quality and trumps anything I have seen lately.The performances were stellar and, well, I could actually put up withDamon. Granted, I do wish Terence Stamp was in it a bit more, but heserves his purpose. John Slattery and his misfortune brought my crowd abunch of laughs. All in all, I plan on seeing this again as soon as Iget the opportunity.If and when you get the chance to see it, I highly recommend you do.

(2012-04-12 08:37:53)

adwthomas

This review is from: The Adjustment Bureau (DVD) Great quality product. Its a awesome movie. Played like brand new. I would recommend to anyone. This one was under the wire.

(2012-04-11 03:31:36)

Meh!!---Whatever Dude! Should've Been On Lifetime Or The OWN Channel!

Boy, I'm so tired of lackluster half-assed scantilly-thought-out movies, music, plays....Just ENTERTAINMENT in general today SUCKS!! Everything is so plastic, disposable, and superficial.Very few truly original voices really get through anymore, and are given the opportunity connect in the mass market media of modern times.In the case of "The Adjustment Bureau", it's clearly a Matrix / Inception / Click / It's A Wonderful Life knock off...Is it reality, or is it not?---Am I dreaming, or am I awake? And, now that I've have been given exclusive knowledge of the Matrix, i.e. the mysteries of the universe, .i.e.the source code, i.e. the hands of fate, how can I manipulate the whole course of the time-space continuumto serve my own selfish ends, and inner sense of homeostasis?--The rest of the world be damned!Not that this was a particularly bad (as in horrible) movie...it's okay....but it's just that...okay.After watching the first 45 minutes of this...I was seriously fighting the urge to nod.Then a few interesting things happened, followed by more mundane and contrived storyline.This would've fared better as a Lifetime Original Movie or made the OWN channel a tad more interesting.But a full-on box office thiller, this is not! Even with great actors like Matt Damon, Anthony Mackie,and others...it just doesn't gel. (Sigh!!) Oh yeah, and then they kiss at the end...Making time, and the order of the universe re-arrange just for them. (Riiiiigghht!)At the end of the day, save your money, and redbox this one guys...It's been done, It's been done, It's been done!! ***3 Stars***

BrianLlywd

(2012-04-10 16:55:51)

In the words of Sam Goldwyn... "In Two Words... Ree Diculous"

I will give it 6 rather dull stars because it did entertain.But just consider, for a moment, you're an up and coming beauty in NYCand this guy who says he's running for President of the USA screws youaround for 3 years and blames a global conspiracy / organization thatcontrols the future from your getting together...You would get back together with this guy?And about those hats - couldn't they at least be tin foil?And if this global conspiracy were composed of an all powerful group ofdoofusses that somehow could control the future but couldn't ultimatelystop said delusional Presidential candidate from, yes, charming saidbeauty into abandoning her career and fiancГѓВ© in favour of his battlingsaid conspiracy...... Then there is no help for you.

Christian_Dimartino

(2012-04-09 13:31:22)

It's not Inception, but its a very good movie that deserves more credit than received.

Barrack Obama made a joke about The Adjustment Bureau when it wasreleased. He said," I like Matt Damon... but he doesn't really like thework i've been doing recently. Well Matt, I recently saw The AdjustmentBureau, and the same can be said to you". I doubt that he actually sawit.It took me a while, but I finally saw it. And despite mixed reviews, Ihad to see it. And it was worth the wait. The Adjustment bureau, Ithink, is the best film of its unique kind this year. I'm not sayingthat its the best film of the year. I'm not even saying that its upthere with Inception. But it's better than Source Code, which I thoughtwas very good also.Damon plays a politician who meets a woman(Emily Blunt) by fate in abathroom. But the people controlling his fate, who are sort of likeangels, are trying to make it so then they won't meet. But once hefinds out about them, all he tries to do is get back with her.The film is based off of a story by Phillip K. Dick(Blade Runner,Minority Report), and you can obviously see that. I really liked TheAdjustment Bureau. Sue me, I don't care. It's not a perfect film, butwhat I like about it is the story.The story is nice. It's a romance with thrills, and its a lot of uniquefun. First time director George Nolfi is trying for an Inception, andthough he can't quite get there, it's a good try. I mean, thats goingto be a tough job.Damon and Blunt give great performances and they share a lot ofchemistry. You almost never feel like its scripted. It all feelsimprovised, but in a very good way. The dialogue just clicks with thesetwo. In short, they are perfect together.I also like how they kind of bring religion into it. Though, this sortof bothered me, I wish that they wouldn't have referred to God as "TheChairman". I mean, you hear them say that and you go,"Jesus". But otherthan that and maybe a few other things, The Adjustment Bureau works.A-

rawvibes

(2012-04-08 20:47:53)

Love's Change of Fate

David Norris (Matt Damon) is running for NY senator. It's November atNorris's campaign headquarters in NY. Losing a big lead in the pollsbecause of a college prank video that went to the press, Norris decidesto concede and goes off to the men's room to finish his speech.Surprised by Elise (Emily Blunt) who was hiding in the stall, the twofall into a soulmatic stare sealed with a kiss. Like they were born tobe with each other. Interrupted by his campaign manager they part waysbut later down the road they were reunited on a bus. A ride that wasnever suppose to happen. Arriving early at work, Norris discovers theAdjustment Bureau in his office. The Adjustment Bureau explains thatbeing with Elise would seriously deviate from Norris's plan and thatthey can never meet again. With the help of Harry (Anthony Mackie) aA.B. agent, David Norris takes a chance to be with his soul mateagainst the Bureau's wishes. A fresh story that isn't shelf stolen andoriginal. 5 out of 5 stars I'm not a critic but I know what makes moneyand this movie is moneyI review a movie on the Entertainment Experience. I ask myself is itworthy of your Hard earned money. 5 is Hell yeah and the rest you getthe picture Look me up on Twitter. rawvibes

(2012-04-06 20:19:15)

Superb, Not for the average joe

If you're the average joe that only gets entertained by mindless shootings, explosions, sex, rape and murders then this movie is not for you. This requires some thinking outside of the box to fully understand it. If you liked Inception you will love this movie.

(2012-04-06 04:01:14)

This Movie Needs To Be Adjusted

Matt Damon should stick with action/thriller movies. I'm trying to figure out what this movie is. What it is not is action/thriller, science fiction, magical/hokus-pokus, or interesting. Even the recruitment of Emily Blunt can't save this movie. The story is way out-of-whack. We're supposed to believe that "Elise", Emily Blunt's character would take back "David Norris", Matt Damon's character three times after being left in the lurch by him-the latest being on the verge of marrying her boyfriend. Even in fiction, this is not good story telling. This story makes one believe that David Norris is so selfish that he would sacrifice Elise's future life/career path to be with her. This is where a real gentleman would bow out and leave things alone. But not Norris. Even after he is told that there are greater things awaiting him, and that it matters to his future and the future of the country that he leaves Elise alone, he still insists on pursuing her. The ending of the movie is a disaster of its own. I am being very generous by giving this movie two stars. Maybe one would be better.