This world needs adjusting, no doubt about that; the film could have used some tweaking, too, but is still worthwhile

Rating: 7/10 (14 March 2011)

David Morris (Matt Damon) is a rising politician for New York. From humble roots in Brooklyn, he is now a state representative and running for Congress. Unfortunately, near the end of a successful campaign, a raucus incident from his past resurfaces and, on election night, David loses. But, his disappointment is somewhat mitigated when he meets a beautiful lady, Elise (Emily Blunt) in the MEN'S ROOM at the campaign hotel. Elise, a ballet dancer, is hiding from security, as she crashed a wedding on the upper levels for a free meal. Supposed to be writing his concession speech, David has a definite connection with this graceful and captivating woman. However, he doesn't get her name or number. A few weeks later, David is catching a Manhattan bus for his new business job when, dumbstruck, he spies Elise on the vehicle, too. This time, he manages to ascertain her name and all of the important information. Fate, unfortunately steps in. Not only does the slip of paper with her number get lost, David finds himself locked in a parking garage with the "men in hats". There, they tell the young politician that are in "charge of the world" and that he is not fated to be with Elise. If he pursues her, bad things might happen, to her and to him. Calling themselves The Adjustment Bureau, these men try to persuade David that only on their intervention is the world avoiding a few hundred mushroom clouds. Therefore, he, David, is going to be elected senator and, possibly more, in the future but Elise is not for him. Stunned, David is torn between his love for this lady and his own aspirations. Only one of the hatted men, Harry (Anthony Mackey) seems to understand his heartache. Will Harry buck the bureau and "re-adjust" the fate of the young couple? First, the premise of the film, a story by the incomparable Philip K. Dick, is truly fine but, perhaps, a bit dated. One can see the action as more relevant to the fifties and sixties, where nuclear war was on everyone's minds and politicians were still viewed as folks capable of uplifting a nation, rather than the more depressing circumstances of the new century. Also, the tale runs out of steam about a third from the finish, dampening the spirits of the audience. Its too bad. Not at fault are the two main actors, Damon and Blunt, for they are very great. One can only wish there were politicos like Damon and Blunt is rapidly becoming a favorite, for she is beautiful and brainy, both. The supporting cast, including Mackey and Terence Stamp, is nice as well. Lovely, too, are the beautiful sets, costumes, photography and effects. Yet, as the script is a letdown, so is the direction, for it doesn't build to a powerful ending or "mix it up" enough to sustain a high level of relevancy. So. If you are fan of Dick's other film translations, such as Blade Runner, Paycheck, Minority Report, and Next, you should probably get a ticket for this one, also, or grab the DVD when it arrives. Despite its weaknesses, one finds oneself pondering its ideas after the cinema lights go back up. Or, if you like Damon or Blunt, you should make time for it, too. But, although it hurts to write a less than glowing account, this flick doesn't hit the "wow" factor.