What would you do if you found out someone else had planned out your entire life for you before you were even born? “The Adjustment Bureau” portrays just that.
The film claims that these life plans were created by the “Chairman,” who controls the destiny of every person on the planet. Sounds like a lot of work. Then again, the movie’s special effects prove that neither the “Chairman” nor his “agents” are human.
“The movie centers around Congressman David Norris (Matt Damon), who is determined to fight his pre-determined destiny in order to stay with the contemporary dancer Elise (Emily Blunt), whom he fell in love with. Norris has to battle the creepy G-men of the Adjustment Bureau around every turn to stay with the meek dancer.
While the idea of true love conquering all is a compelling one, the main characters lack likeability. Even Damon’s Academy Award-winning talents can’t make up for Norris’ arrogance. Blunt, who proved that she has skills in such films as “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Young Victoria,” cannot hide the annoyingly timid and bland nature of her character.
The Adjustment Bureau’s agents aren’t very well explained either. Where these creatures came from or how the “Chairman” got this gig isn’t truly revealed. Given the extreme amount of power and control over the universe that these characters have, this lack of information is frustrating.
“The Adjustment Bureau” is not the thriller it’s advertised to be. Yeah, there are a few scenes that build tension, but the essence of the movie centers around a love story that is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, but I found myself disappointed by the lack of action.
The best part of the movie is the originality of its storyline. Is our fate planned out for us from the moment we are born? Can you fight destiny? Can you change it? But, rather than focusing on Norris’ fight against “the agents,” the film focuses on the lukewarm romance between the main characters.
“The Adjustment Bureau” is more daytime soap opera than sci-fi thriller. Rather than wasting $10 on a movie ticket, stay home and catch an episode of “The Young and The Restless.”
