The Adjustment Bureau

Ever wonder what your day would have been like if you hadn't spilled coffee on your shirt? Even the most insignificant events can have far-reaching consequences. This is the central theme behind The Adjustment Bureau, a lean and thought-provoking piece of sci-fi based on yet another Philip K. Dick short story, first published in 1954. Matt Damon plays David Norris, a loose-cannon politician seemingly destined for greatness. But his life goes off-script when he meets an up-and-coming dancer, Elise, played by Emily Blunt. That's where the adjustment team comes in, a mysterious team of hat-wearing agents. It's unclear who these agents are or who they work for. But they seem to have a vested interest in humanity's development, and David Norris' political career is integral to their plan. Unfortunately for David, Elise isn't part of that plan. The agents work tirelessly to separate the two, but David never gives up on Elise, despite dire threats. There are elements of North by Northwest, Wings of Desire and even The Matrix at play here as David races to outwit the agents trying to keep him away from Elise. The film does a great job of establishing a set of rules and following them throughout the duration. But much credit must go to Matt Damon and Emily Blunt for fleshing out two characters that are meant to be together. If their chemistry didn't work, the whole story would have fallen apart. While I can't totally get behind the film's conclusion, getting there was a whole lot of fun. But even better, this is one of those movies that really makes you think long after the credits roll. Films with big ideas are such a rarity these days that it's so refreshing to breath one in from time to time. I think I even like this one better than Inception.