The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

DW and I decided we wanted to watch a new movie with some good hype behind it instead of the so so stuff we have been watching on view instant as of late.  We decided to pick up The Adjustment Bureau from a Redbox and see if we could have any luck.  The concept of the movie is absolutely astounding: What if you are not in COMPLETE control of your own future?  If you wonder off track a bit you will be pushed back on with out even knowing it.

The Adjustment Bureau (TAB) is an extremely hard film to categorize.  You have elements of action, romance, suspense, science fiction and philosophical ties all intertwined.  TAB is the type of movie where you can sit for hours after watching just to digest what happened.  This is a movie you will want to sit and talk with others about what happened and your ideas for what things meant.  I would venture to say that TAB is the deepest, most tangled and convoluted film I have seen in probably two years.

I could probably write a few pages on how incredibly deep and philosophical TAB is, but that's not why your here.  Your here for the nitty gritty and to see if this film may be worth watching.  TAB's main characters are played by Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie and John Slattery.  You will recognize a few other faces scattered throughout as well.

I'm not even sure where to start with the two main people, Damon and Blunt.  I am absolutely floored with how well both of these two performed.  Having seen them both in many other films I can honestly say I didn't think either had this level of ability hidden up their sleeves.  Mackie and Slattery I have not seen in too many films, but they both did amazing jobs as well.  My only disappointment (and slight at that) came from Terence Stamp.  I felt as if he probably didn't have that many filming days on set and just didn't give it 100%.  It seemed as if he was skating by on his "fame" and the level of performance was just not up to par, especially with the levels the rest of the cast gave.

Back to the concept of TAB again, I think this is a movie everyone should see.  This movie WILL make you question your views on religion, politics and government.  The questions that it raises, and the discussions it will make people engage in could be astounding.  These could really be some of THOSE conversations that let you peer deep into another person and help you get to know them in ways you never knew before.  It really is tough to describe TAB and the energy it creates in you, it is something you just need to experience for yourself.

TAB does leave a few things unanswered after viewing, but I don't think that is a flaw or oversight in the film.  They were left that way on purpose, and needed to be to have the same effect.  TAB leaves these open to your individual interpretations and for your discussions.  The only thing I can think of that I didn't agree with is when Mackie's character falls asleep and misses his cue in the beginning of the film.  A person like the character he was playing would not make a mistake such as that.

The storyline and script are solid, the acting impeccable and the questions and discussions you are left with will have you revisiting it for days.  The Adjustment Bureau is a solid recipient of a 5 star review, an achievement only one other film has received this month from me.  TAB is WELL worth checking out, and is a film that will be purchased and added to our library at some point.  Get it NOW, watch it with someone smarter than yourself and discuss it.  Ciao for now and see you for the next review!