The Adjustment Bureau **** (2011, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Lisa Thoreson, Terence Stamp) – Classic Movie Review 588

Rising US politician David Norris (played by Matt Damon) has a career setback when the press leak an old college-prank scandal – but then he meets English ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) and things are looking up again. Unfortunately, though, creepy blokes in sharp suits and funny hats are trying to keep the lovers apart…

Based on a tale by sci-fi master writer Philip K. Dick (Minority Report, Blade Runner) originally called Adjustment Team, this intelligent and entertaining spiritual romance with a sci-fi spin ponders destiny and free will, while delivering fairly generous helpings of mystery, action, humour and literate dialogue.

George Nolfi (the writer on Damon’s Ocean’s Twelve and The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his debut as director with his 2011 romantic sci-fi thriller, and directs smoothly and intently and also provides the well crafted, polished screenplay.

Damon acts like a demon and runs like the clappers, Blunt dances like an angel and together the cute couple share sweet chemistry. There’s not a lot to it. The short story seems way stretched to fill the hour and three quarters and there’s not much in the way of a lasting aftertaste. But it’s all very slick, enjoyable and really quite satisfying while it lasts.

In the interesting, well-chosen cast, John Slattery plays Richardson, Michael Kelly Charlie Traynor, Terence Stamp is Thompson, Anthony Mackie is Harry Mitchell and Shane McRae is Adrian Troussant, Elise’s fiancé.

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© Derek Winnert 2013 Classic Film Review 588 derekwinnert.com