The Adjustment
Bureau
*guest review by Mike Anthony
The new Matt Damon film "The Adjustment
Bureau" is a good movie; and worth seeing. It's based on a short story
by the late Philip K Dick, (actually called "The Adjustment Team", not
"Bureau") who was a prolific science fiction writer. His works have been
made into several films; including: the classic 'Bladerunner', as well
as: 'A Scanner Darkly', 'Screamers', 'Imposter', 'Paycheck', 'Minority
Report', and 'Total Recall'.
As a fan of his works, it's tough not to
compare the film with the original short story from the 1950's. I'll
try to include how it relates to the short story WITHOUT any spoilers
for those who are seeing the film with no previous knowledge of the
tale. Contrasted with the original written story; this film is best
described as "loosely" based on earlier edition. It has less of the
sense of fun, light humor, and quick simplicity than the short story.
It also adds layers to create a love story; as well as some major
differences from the central charcater's career path, his family
history, and so-on.
As a stand-alone movie 'The Adjustment Team"
is a good solid film; not great but quite good. The marketing makes it
clear it's is about a man who discovers that someone is "planning" our
lives, we're not supposed to know it, and he's not supposed to be with
the woman he meets and falls for. That's clear in the commercials.
What I can add is that the story is good; a full hour had passed
before I even thought to glance at my watch. Also; the career-angle of
the central character's story (he's a politician) is interesting and
raises the stakes of how the conflict plays out. Damon is very
believable, in my opinion. Emily blunt is good in the female
lead. The "men in hats" you see in the commercials deliver an
acceptable amount of threat and keep us guessing until we're not
supposed to guess anymore. The movie chooses to avoid the big "twist
ending" they could've went for and instead choose to let us in on much
of what is "behind the curtain", but then take us in another direction:
not wondering what's going on--but rather wondering what Damon's
charcter will (try to) choose to do.
Worth seeing as long as you don't mind
a story that requires thinking, and patience. If you're a fan of the
late writer, or 50's science fiction and it's 'altered'
reality running-theme, it's a must-see. Beware it will probably be
compared to both "Dark City" and "City of Angels", two hits from the
late 90's. It deserves to stand on its' own.
3.5 cookies for most of us, 4 for
science-fiction purists or fans of Philip K Dick.
3 good thing about this movie:
* Matt Damon does a good job playing a
believable character
* Emily Blunt's character is slowly revealed
to us; in a good way
* The central theme (which is: is our
reality really ours) is well handled
3 bad things about this movie:
* Got a little long for some people in the
audience (although the first hour kept me glued)....probably could've
wrapped up 15 or 20 minutes earlier
* The hats!
* Wish it was more like the short story; but
that's a personal view...depends on whether you are familiar with the
original