"The Adjustment Bureau" Shines with Creativity and Talent

I was skeptical that I would like the film I am about the review. However, my husband really wanted to see it, so I finally agreed to fo with him. I suggested we at least take it in at our area's new Cinebistro complex. I knew at least that way I would be comfy-cozy in their luxurious chairs while I watched.

Imagine my surprise, when five minutes into the film, I was already totally hooked. I'm not a huge fan of Matt Damon but he held me completely with one sheepish grin and a humble smile. Okay, maybe none of that was aimed at me. It was aimed at the object of his affection, Elise (played by Emily Blunt). Oddly enough, I really didn't care.

Damon plays David Norris, a young congressman running for a New York senate seat. As the story opens, it appears he is well on his way to getting his wish. However, the release of a questionable photo of him mooning his friends at a party puts the breaks on his march forward in the campaign. He loses by a big margin instead.

It was not a total loss, though, since David meets Elise as he is preparing his concession speech in the bathroom. They connect immediately, although he forgets to get her number at the time.

Years pass and David must decide whether or not to run for the senate again. He can't quite make up his mind about. All he can think about is Elise. Then, one day, quite by accident, he sits next to her on a bus. Once again they strike up their conversation during which she encourages him to run. This time, he plays it smart and gets her phone number.

Hurrying on to his meeting, David arrives early and finds strange men in his partner's conference room doing something he can't fathom. That's when he is exposed to the activities of the so-called adjustment bureau.

They explain to David that they are manipulating his friend's thoughts so he will respond in the way called for by the plan. They assure him he is not being hut in any way.

They go on to tell him that one of their own made a mistake tha day that put him on the wrong bus. Because of that decision, by chance, it met Elise again.

However, they further inform him he can never see her again because it isn't in the cards. They take the card on which Elise had written her phone number.

Finally, they inform David that one of two things can occur. The first choice is that he can move forward promising never to divulge their existence. The second is that they can reset him by wiping his brain and turning him into someone different.

David, of course, opts for the former although he doesn't lose hope that he will somehow meet Elise again. More years pass but eventually he has another chance meeting with the girl of his dreams. The action sends ripples through the bureau's plan book that can't be ignored.

That is when they call in a specialist they call the hammer, played by Terence Stamp. He tells David that if he and Elise together, he will lose his second bid for the senate and Elise will never become the phenomenal dancer she is meant to be. To accent his point, he arranges for Elise to get hurt during a performance.

While David waits to see if his ladylove will ever dance again, he realizes that he can't end her dreams along with his own. So he leaves her and walks away.

I won't tell you what happens next because that is the crux of the movie. If you want to know, you'll have to see the film.

"The Adjustment Bureau" is a unique film. It gives new meaning to the term "God has a plan" or, in this instance, the chairman has a plan.

It also makes you think about angels in a totally different way. It makes you wonder how those slight changes in your thinking come about at just the right time. It is truly a clever piece of work.

Kudos to Philip K. Dick for a creative short story and to George Nolfi for turning it into such an engrossing screenplay. Together, they weave an engrossing movie that captures you in the beginning and doesn't let go until the final frame.

George Nolfi also directs and he does it with a skilled hand. He allows his actors the latitude they need to imbue their characters with that indefinable greatness moviegoers will never be able to forget. Yet he maintains his place at the helm to ensure rich, well developed and perfectly executed film.

The cast is amazing. Even minor players have a chance to shine and many of them do, leaving their own mark on this remarkable movie.

Damon is utterly charming as David Norris. You believe this is a man that could, and would, change the world for the better.

Blunt is mesmerizing as Elise, a stunning dancer who also has a heart as big as her stage. She is beautiful, breathtaking and unforgettable.

Together, as a couple, Damon the Blunt light up the screen. They easy going chemistry make you believe they are meant to be, star crossed lovers.

If you haven't guessed it yet, I loved this film just as much as my husband. Better still, I am finally a convert to the Matt Damon fan club. I'm a little slow on the up take but I got there all the same.

"The Adjustment Bureau" is a very good movie, teetering on the edge of excellence. I highly recommend it, which is why I still give it 4 out of 5 stars.

RATING SCALE USED:

0 = A stinker. Don't waste the money!
1 = Bad. Rent it at your own risk.
2 = Below average. See only if you have time to kill.
2.5 = Average. A toss up.
3 = Good. Worth a looksee.
3.5 = Very Good. I recommend it.
4 = Excellent. Don't miss it!
4.5 = Outstanding. What are you waiting for?
5 = Destined to become a classic. You will be sorry if you don't see it.