THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (REVIEW)
Rated M - 104 mins
Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Terrence Stamp, John Slattery, Meghan Andrews,
Anthony Mackie
This brilliantly conceived spy chase thriller hits the
ground running, only slowing down when the core of the story becomes
full blown romance.
Matt Damon plays David Norris, an up and coming New York
congressman who has become quite hot in a short period of time. However,
the press unearth his past reporting a misdemeanour that halts momentum
into what was going to be a successful election campaign. Upon entering
a bathroom to gather his thoughts before a big speech, he thinks he's
alone, but within a cubicle is a beautiful woman hiding from security.
Clutching a champagne bottle from a wedding she managed to crash inside
the hotel, they share a kiss and a moment of clarity until separating
just as quickly. The brief encounter establishes her as Elise, a ballerina
who is as outgoing as what Norris is. He's smitten.
An unseen corporation of grey suited men with hats, who
oversee everything that happens in the world including fate, are not
happy. Due to one of them missing his mark having a micro sleep on a
park bench (don't ask), a chain of events have sparked a domino effect
in a timeline that should not be happening. This includes the pairing
of David and Elise. To set plans back in order, the phantom agents trap
David, then lecture him not to see Elise again or they will take away
every memory he has ever had.
What follows is not your average thriller adapted from
a short story by legendary author Phillip K. Dick (famous for Blade
Runner & Total Recall, among many other classics). The bright and
speedy dynamics with spectacular visionary aspects keep things interesting.
It's only the resonant romance at the core of events that allow time
to catch your breath. When David is given the ultimatum of not contacting
Elise, this is adhered to, but by chance he keeps seeing her, so goes
about proceedings to engulf her his own way. They have obvious beaming
attraction which might just be true love.
The twitchy fedora brigade get their hats in a knot and
send in a top gun to sort things out, or as promised, will wipe away
David's memories forever. Running from the guns, the deadly pursuit
rolls on, building to a brilliant finale with an impact to savour.
From the low-key 'Hereafter' to the thrills of 'Green
Zone', Matt Damon is on a role of late again shows broad range combining
action heroics, quick wit and romantic gesture without losing realism.
Energetic Emily Blunt is fine as Elise, David's true love that he literally
opens doors to shift time for. Veteran Terrence Stamp and John Slattery
(of 'Mad Men' fame) also make their mark as part of the seasoned group
of angelic type watchers of the world. The less you know, the better
this is. A unique film with multiple surprises that I highly recommend.
Shane
A. Bassett
