Review of The Adjustment Bureau (2011) by Jason V — 27 Jun 2012

So here's a movie that's a little bit of everything: sci fi, romance, drama, humans facing off with god-like beings who make sure their lives go according to plan. None of the "magic" is actually explained other than having to wear goofy hats and making sure to turn door handles certain ways.

I'm not sure it even matters, to be honest, since the overriding question is always what would the audience do if they were thrust into this situation. The Adjustment Bureau does a fairly good job at asking and answering that question without spending a lot of time (and melodrama) doing so.

Much of the credit goes to the actors, particularly Damon and Blunt, who all take the story as seriously as it needs to be taken...but never more than that. Damon's David Norris doesn't want to expose the bureau or change the world.

He only wants to change his particular world, his planned future be damned. The Adjustment Bureau does take longer than most audiences will expect to get going. Once it does, though, it is captivating.

Just don't think about it too hard.