Spoilers would rather not tempt fate.

This is one of those films that went under my radar when it first came out. It’s easy to relegate as a Matrix clone, and it probably benefits from the fact that after the Wachowskis’ creation it was easier to produce movies with premises that were far-fetched. The concept comes from a short story, which means it does stretch its execution slightly. This means… We’ll get into it. Hold on to your hats.

(Credit: Universal Pictures)

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) was written and directed by George Nolfi, based on a short story by Philip K. Dick. Although it’s catalogued as science fiction, it’s definitely steeped more in fantasy. Politician David Norris (Matt Damon) is running for senate for the state of New York, but due to an embarrassing faux pas from his youth he’s about to lose the election. As he’s preparing to give his concession speech he runs into Elise (Emily Blunt) who has sneaked in to crash a wedding in another room. They talk, they have crazy chemistry and kiss. David ends up giving a rather vulnerable concession speech that endears him to the public, making it possible for him to run again.

But per chance, David ends up running into Elise a second time. This time however, he’s been trailed by a mystery man, who we later know as Harry Mitchell (Anthony Mackie) and who appears to have every intention of preventing David from meeting Elise again. After this, David ends up getting early to a meeting in which he runs into more of this mystery men, that wear suits and hats. This includes Richardson (John Slattery) who warns him his fate runs in a different direction than Elise’s and he should stay away from her. These mystery men seem to have the ability to change the destiny of people by influencing small changes, as well as travel through regular doors into other destinations.

Intriguing at first and full of New York personality cameos, the story has a very promising start specially with the participation of Emily Blunt whose character is a breath of fresh air. And perhaps that is my primary criticism with the second part as we get more exposition of what the Bureau is and does. This part tends to drag a lot. When Harry shows David what they can do it’s a crying shame that Elise is not a part of it until the final act. The ending is more than a bit underwhelming.

Recommended with reservations. The premise does tantalize and intrigues. The leads have good chemistry, although I’d say Blunt does do a better job at being a real person (then again Damon is playing a politician, so insert your joke here). However, the second act does seem to take its time wrapping things up and by the time we set up the final confrontation we might be out of breath. Worth a watch when the weather calls for rain.

That will do for now.