Superb chemistry

Rating: 8/10 (13 March 2011)

Damon and Blunt deliver chemistry that is a throw back to classic Hollywood screen romances no longer made in today's culture of ADD that sees cinema pandering to nervous eyeballs in need of a constant VFX fix. Emily Blunt jumps off the screen without the need of 3D glasses. Her presence is so electrifying, I felt as if I was holding my breath waiting for her to appear again. Her smile does indeed light up a room. Watching her highly tuned reactions became like a narcotic for me. Matt Damon, though difficult to buy as a New Yorker, given his strong Bostonian identity; continues his stellar work here showing he's a bankable dramatic actor for thinking adults.
This film is beautifully shot with great locations and gorgeous views of NYC. It is brilliantly conceived and seamlessly edited. The only complaint I have is that the climax is a bit week and could use one more layer of revelation, or perhaps a bittersweet twist. The full on happy ending is somewhat telegraphed and ultimately unsatisfying as much as we are rooting for it though out. Having said that, there is much to love here, including a stellar cast, beautiful cinematography, outstanding locations and above all the chemistry of the leads.
A nice touch too is the whimsical story element of having to wear hats to get through secret doors and passages. It's a welcome contrast to the world of hard science and cold cynicism we face in our daily lives. It triggers our imagination and reminds us of the playfulness of childhood that may have become over complicated by the seriousness of modern life, where crises dominate every headline.
Though reminiscent of "Inception" in theme, I'd argue this film is far more fun. It doesn't take itself so seriously. Sure it lacks the awe-inspiring visuals of Inception and the M.C. Escher-like plot structure. But unlike "Inception", it has a very strong love story at its centre. Also welcome here: this film does not descend into an ultra-violent, machine gun battle on the peak of an alpine range in the midst of chaos and destruction.
Here you actually get to watch great acting in the form of dynamic on-screen chemistry. Blunt and Damon are determined to be together, no matter the cost, in spite of the highest order of fate. That is the compelling pulse of this film. "Adjustment Bureau" serves to remind its viewers of the importance of his or her own freewill and what is lost when he or she do not exercise it. And that is a terrific thing to be reminded of.
As mentioned, this film provides a terrific ensemble cast all around. It's wonderful to see Terence Stamp in such fine form. A delightful performance from Anthony Mackie, in what I'm guessing may be a real break out for him, lending this film his unique presence and refined character. Michael Kelly, whom I enjoyed in "Fair Game", also stands out here. As does "Mad Men's" John Slattery who is perfectly cast as a sort of middle management "Bureau" exec. who can't quite catch a break cleaning up his subordinate's mess.
"Adjustment Bureau" is a refreshing film increasingly rare in a landscape over-saturated with technical wizardry born out of the chicken-and-egg syndrome of ADD. Is it an inherent disorder or did we create it with our technology? And if we did, is the only solution to pander to it? Thankfully this film doesn't think so. This is a film that remembers, perhaps one of the greatest rewards for an audience is to watch other human beings, actors, portray life's greatest challenges and its most exhilarating moments so that we may glean insight into our own lives. In today's environment, that makes it refreshing.
Thank you George Nolfi for creating such a wonderful piece of work.