Film: The Adjustment Bureau
Cast includes: Matt Damon (The Bourne Identity), Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), John Slattery (Mad Men), Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria), Tarence Stamp (The Limey), Michael Kelly (Changeling)
Writer/Director: George Nolfi (Ocean’s Twelve)
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller/ Romance (2011) Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick
In brief: David Norris is a shoe-in to become the next senator from New York, until election eve, when newspapers reveal a college prank, complete with photos. It costs him the election. The Waldorf’s men’s room is where David goes to lick his wounds and write his concession speech. Thinking the room is empty, he rehearses a relatively standard speech. But Elise overhears the whole thing. (She’s been hiding out in one of the stalls after being caught crashing a wedding.) Anyway, she’s not buying what David is saying and can stay hidden no longer. Elise’s cheeky attitude seems to rub off on David because when it’s time to give that relatively standard speech, he abandons the script and speaks from his heart. Instead of ending David’s political career, the candid speech seems to renew it.
When the excitement dies down, David has two concerns… getting a real job and finding that girl from the men’s room. Months later David finds her by chance riding his bus. Elise is like no one else he’s ever met. He absolutely must get her phone number because he’s convinced they are destined to be together. But the Adjustment Bureau… those men in hats… has different plans. David’s a tough customer, however… he’s already unwittingly evaded the Bureau’s program several times. And when David accidentally gets a glimpse “behind the curtain,” the Bureau has no choice but to tell him the truth… with a harsh warning. That’s when David learns who’s really controlling his destiny. He also learns that Elise is not part of his destiny. They warn David that if he ever reveals what he’s learned, they’ll “reset him”… in other words, erase his brain. They don’t leave David many option. Can David accept this fate?
When we first meet the men in hats, we assume their motives are evil. But as the story unfolds, we find out that they’re trying to engineer positive outcomes for our world. The problem is that doing good is never totally straightforward. So even if David finds a way to evade his destiny, we hope he won’t upset the plan entirely. This is a fun story with some interesting nuisances. The script is as logical as one can hope for in a story with sci-fi elements. It’s well acted, directed and produced. As we get to know the characters, we care about them and want things to turn out well… for all of them. But it’s not clear what that means. “Just remember, we tried to reason with you.” But reason isn’t always the best way to make decisions.
3 popped kernels
Well-developed, suspenseful story about characters we care about
Popcorn Profile
Rated: PG-13
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Zips right along
Visual Style: Computer effects
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
