The Adjustment Bureau -- Review

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you had made a different choice from one you made that put you where you are today?  Maybe selected a different college then the one you attended... or turned down a job that  relocated you to where you are now... or stuck with something a little longer than you originally had to see what could happen... or even taken that right turn rather then the left you made on the way home.  Where would you be if you had made that other decision?  The Adjustment Bureau is a psychological suspense film that addresses questions like these throughout the film as it plays with the idea of fate and free will and whether or not we as humans are in control of either.

The Adjustment Bureau is an amazing film that is exceptionally written and directed.  From the moment you are first introduced to David Norris, played by Matt Damon (Bourne films and True Grit), you instantly like him -- even though he is a politician.  He is someone you can relate with and feel compassion for, and that is just the beginning.  When Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt - Wolfman, Young Victoria and Sunshine Cleaning) interrupts a rather personal moment for David the audience instantly feels the connection between the two characters.  It's a chemistry on film that I have not seen in a long time and it was refreshing to watch these two extraordinary actors compliment each other.  Even though we know that whatever is causing their instant attraction and connection will be their ultimate challenge and that is when the Adjustment Bureau steps in.

The employees of the Adjustment Bureau are great characters full of depth and life regardless of the lack of visible emotion throughout the film, with the exception of one "adjuster". Anthony Mackie (Hurt Locker) plays Harry Mitchell, who has been assigned to David since he was a young kid to try and keep him on the path that had been laid out for him but Harry makes a few mistakes and opens the door for fate to throw a few curve balls.   John Slattery (Mad Men) plays Richardson who is a straight faced "adjuster" assigned to clean up Harry's mistakes.  But it is Terence Stamp (Valkyrie and Wanted) who plays the ultimate "adjuster" Thompson who is only called in when there is no other choice. With the talent behind the Adjustment Bureau there is no question as to whether you would ever want to face a group of men like this is real life -- the answer would be no!  Although they are very well dressed and at first glance would not be accused of anything other than being businessmen they are very far from that and definitely not anyone you'd want to mess with.

The Adjustment Bureau is George Nolfi's first directed film, but his background as a screenplay writer (The Adjustment Bureau, Bourne Ultimatum, Timeline) has definitely helped him create the perfect blend of suspense, drama, and action.  You will feel every fall and hit as though it were happening to you, and because of this George Nolfi has created a perfect piece of cinema.  The images are beautiful and the acting is some of the best we have in Hollywood, and if you did not already think Emily Blunt was gorgeous I guarantee you will after you see her dance.  She is just as elegant in her speaking role as she is when she's dancing.  So if you are looking for a suspense film to catch this weekend I highly recommend The Adjustment Bureau.

I give The Adjustment Bureau a 4 out of 5.