Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 15:49:27

Hopeless Romantic...

I guess this movie came at a time when a college woman re-entered my life. We both are thankful that things have come full circle, so this movie was a celebratory triumph of 'love prevails'. Too often we are faced with the 'gut kick' or 'slap back to reality' instead of the purity/hope that someone will rekindle that dead belief in love. I had washed my hands of finding 'the one', and at 44YO, I am feeling spontaneous as a kid. Reality would try to kill that spark, but too often, our relationships lack that blind abandonment and replace it with reason. The concept of free will is always guiding, and it's nice to feel 'freedom' again instead of adjusting my heart/life to fit the status quo. For that reason; I like it! I think it had the "love conqueors all" theme I need echoed at this time.

2012-05-25 03:45:11

A romantic sci-fi suspense thrill ride!

Just as Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Widescreen Edition) was a love story with a slightly different angle of sci-fi-type themes, "The Adjustment Bureau" is a sci-fi/suspense love story. It may seem a bit out there or far-fetched, but, trust me, it works! Matt Damon and Emily Blunt have amazing chemistry together; it's easy to root for these two as they take on the agency that's doing everything within their unlimited power to keep them apart. The movie, based on a story by Philip K. Dick (also responsible for Blade Runner - The Final Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition), Paycheck (Special Collector's Edition), Minority Report (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition), Total Recall, A Scanner Darkly, Screamers, Next), does well with its story and pacing. The acting is well done and it definitely has "multiple viewing" potential (especially for fans of Damon and Blunt). The great thing about this film, though, is not just the overall idea of the film, but also the questions that arise from such a film. Would you sacrifice a better life for your love? This film explores that idea with both sides being equally explored. "Adjustment Bureau" is one of the best of the year so far and highly enjoyable.

chrismsawin 2012-05-23 19:30:20

An all around amazing film

Considering all the garbage movie critics have to sit through in ayear, it's pretty amazing when a film that's smarter than most hitstheaters and makes a bit of an impact. Independent films are one thing,but major ones released by bigger studios are even a bigger deal whenthis occurs. I think that's one of the reasons Inception was so great.Creativity and intelligence are two things that are usually lackingfrom blockbusters. The Adjustment Bureau is a film that has a bit moreto it than you're probably expecting. Based on "The Adjustment Group,"a short story by Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner, Total Recall, MinorityReport), The Adjustment Bureau has probably already caught yourattention either because you're a fan of Dick's work and/or the moviesthat were adapted from it.The film's charm is definitely in its explanation for things. The waythe bureau works and how they function is a wonder in itself. You'llnever look at a door or a man wearing a hat the same way again afterviewing the film. Perhaps the most interesting is Thompson'sexplanation of how events in history like The Great Depression and TheHolocaust came about. The story is very imaginative and different fromthe norm, which is always a fantastic change in pace when it comes tofilm. At the same time though, those who like having absolutelyeverything explained to them will probably be disappointed. TheAdjustment Bureau explains enough to get the wheels in your brainturning and leaves some things open to your interpretation, which couldhurt someone's overall opinion of the film depending on the viewer.I've never been the biggest Matt Damon fan. My favorite memoryinvolving him was the Team America parody that he wasn't even involvedwith, but I think of that "Matt Damon!" line every time I see him onscreen. However, he did have strong showings in both Hereafter and TrueGrit from last year. He keeps the trend going here. David seems to be aguy who was once fueled by speaking in front of hundreds of people andpolitics, but has now replaced that void with Elyse. The chemistry hehas with Elyse, despite feeling somewhat brief, is one of the drivingfactors of the film. Anthony Mackie winds up being the most memorablebureau agent mostly because he has an emotional tie to David, but JohnSlattery and Terence Stamp have some pretty noteworthy performances aswell.I have the impression that a lot of people will write this off as a MenIn Black ripoff, but The Adjustment Bureau is a bit more clever thaneither Men In Black film. The films surely have their similarities, butThe Adjustment Bureau deserves to be given a chance. I think it'llsurprise a lot of viewers.The Adjustment Bureau is easily the smartest live-action film to bereleased in the first few months of 2011. With a solid cast, a heftyhelping of creativity, and just an absorbing experiencing overall, TheAdjustment Bureau is bound to leave a lasting impression when it comestime to look back on the best films of the year. The film leaves youquestioning how much of your life is really left to fate and chance.Films seem to leave an impression that lasts longer if it makes youthink or strikes a cord or hits close to home in some capacity. Thisfilm does that and then some. It comes highly recommended even if youhave your reservations about it.

2012-05-23 15:33:18

Sparkling chemistry between Damon and Blunt

Fate, coincidence and free will come at odds with one another in this sci-fi romance re-imagined by George Nolfi from the short story, "Adjustment Team", by sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick. Nolfi's plot can go from interesting and intriguing to downright silly at times but the main attraction is not the narrative. It is the pulsating chemistry between lead stars Matt Damon and the sensually beguiling Emily Blunt set in all the famous spots of Manhattan and NYC.Having been to New York City recently, I find the sets nostalgic, and I am defenseless to the charms of Emily Blunt.Young Senate candidate for New York City, David Norris (Damon), is rehearsing his speech in the men's restroom when a beautiful stranger (Blunt, right, with Damon) emerges from one of the stalls and starts chatting with him. Before she leaves - in quite a hurry - they have an impulsive, passionate kiss, and he is smitten. Their next encounter in a city bus has to be by chance - and he learns that her name is Elise. He is determined to call her. To court her...And then David comes across a bunch of Men in Black suits and hats, led by a Mr Richardson (John Slattery), who says bluntly: "We are the people who make sure things go according to plan." David's relationship with the free-spirited Elise is NOT part of their plan and he must not see her again - for both his and her own good! The rest of the movie is, of course, the tussle between Love and Fate for David. After being charmed by Elise, a rising star ballerina, we can understand why David is bent on seeing her. We can also understand how their relationship would possibly wreck their careers - and why David would want to take a chance on that. David and Elise seem so perfect for each other that we root for them.It is good that Nolfi has written such a romantic angle into this Dick tale instead of turning it into another action flick like "Total Recall", "Paycheck" and "Screamers". He could have polished up a bit more on the second half to keep it from becoming childish, though. Still, the notion of Fates personified could not be taken too seriously - and it would be better to just go along with the flow of the love story so charmingly portrayed by Damon and Blunt - and supported by a sympathetic Anthony Mackie and menacing Terence Stamp as members of the Adjustment Bureau. Emily Blunt has such captivating eyes that look into your soul and make you weep. by changmoh (Malaysia)

kgprophet 2012-05-23 11:44:49

Not as much of a Thriller as I Hoped

I had deliberately not read any reviews for this film, hoping to watchit with fresh eyes and be given a chance not to know any spoilers. AllI knew was that this film had a twist on the time travel theme. Forsome reason, I was expecting a thriller movie, instead I discovered itwas a romance movie. I had not read the original short story by PhilipK. Dick, so I don't know the original plot. In this case, a man is notgiven a choice between a career in politics or stay with the love ofhis life. He wants to stay with his soul mate, but the powers that betry to steer him toward becoming President. It reminded me of anotherromance with a little science fiction thrown in, "Eternal Sunshine ofthe Spotless Mind". "Eternal" had a similar premise where a device isused to keep apart two people who seemed destined for each other."Adjustment" could have worked as an intriguing thriller, with the"plan makers" having a more darker influence on the main character'slife. The only element of danger is a threat to our protagonist thathis memory will be wiped if he doesn't accept the career path chosenfor him. For the most part, however, it seems the filmmakers needed tokeep the tone much lighter, with virtually no violence and mostlynon-threatening action sequences. This tone is reflected in the musicby Thomas Newman, which contains the familiar feel-good lightarrangements, queuing the audience that everything will be just fineand our main character is not in any dire predicament. I kind of wishmore jeopardy was prevalent in this story, than just be about the powerof love. This lack of jeopardy made the third act much less compelling,and resolution all but certain.The adjustment bureau's premise is still interesting, and it isengaging to learn the "rules", of how the "agents" operate. There aresome smart moments where the agents discuss among themselves themeaning of it all. The screenplay also does a good job of keeping justenough of the greater plan a mystery so we the audience aren't beingdumbed down with a lot of textbook exposition. Indeed, a lot ofexposition is still necessary in order to connect the dots, but thestory rolls along with a decent pace. What keeps this film from beingmechanical is the good chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt,with sparkling dialogue that almost seems improvised. The filmmakersknew that this chemistry was critical in order for the audience toinvest their time and emotion into film's plot. Our desire as theaudience to see these two people together made us willing to invest ourown emotions into the story. So the screenplay, acting, and editing areto be acknowledged in what makes this film succeed. It is only theintended lightness of the story that keeps the third act from havingany real gravitas. The potential to have more thrilling elements couldhave improved the story without losing the romantic core of the plot.

Jerique 2012-05-22 17:50:55

One of the best of 2011

Well, I finally saw The Adjustment Bureau and I'm very happy to say itwent above and beyond my high expectations. I was hoping it'd be reallygood, and it was better than great! Matt Damon stars as David Norrisand is immediately a likable character simply because he has faults andflaws that he doesn't let ruin him. He picks himself back up and ishonest and open to everyone. This is easily my favorite character androle of his.Emily Blunt is the love interest, and she makes for a very quirky, funcharacter that has great chemistry with Damon. I know the movie iswritten that way, but it's still great chemistry between Damon andBlunt that you almost forget that they're acting.Terence Stamp plays Thompson, a brief character, but is easily almostthe star of the movie. Stamp is known to me for his Jor-El portrayal onSmallville. He is so good in his scenes with Damon, that you candismiss his dialogue as being villainous and just being truthful.This film isn't great because of the acting, although it helps.However, the real golden piece of this film comes from the openingslingshot that is pulled back so hard the viewer is forced to leap intothe story and not even care to understand everything going on. Instead,you just follow along and just wait for the next unexpected thing tohappen.It has simply stunning visual and special effects that I was in utterawe. When the Bureau open doors to baseball stadiums, museums, downtownNew York and more but when normal people do it, it's nothingextraordinary. It's quite a spectacle to see.Tack on some witty humor that hits your face so quickly with a splash,this movie has a profound lasting appeal. It will be with me for a longtime and I can tell you that the wait was well-worth it. This movierocks! It is one of the best of 2011.

Christian_Dimartino 2012-05-22 02:17:53

It's not Inception, but its a very good movie that deserves more credit than received.

Barrack Obama made a joke about The Adjustment Bureau when it wasreleased. He said," I like Matt Damon... but he doesn't really like thework i've been doing recently. Well Matt, I recently saw The AdjustmentBureau, and the same can be said to you". I doubt that he actually sawit.It took me a while, but I finally saw it. And despite mixed reviews, Ihad to see it. And it was worth the wait. The Adjustment bureau, Ithink, is the best film of its unique kind this year. I'm not sayingthat its the best film of the year. I'm not even saying that its upthere with Inception. But it's better than Source Code, which I thoughtwas very good also.Damon plays a politician who meets a woman(Emily Blunt) by fate in abathroom. But the people controlling his fate, who are sort of likeangels, are trying to make it so then they won't meet. But once hefinds out about them, all he tries to do is get back with her.The film is based off of a story by Phillip K. Dick(Blade Runner,Minority Report), and you can obviously see that. I really liked TheAdjustment Bureau. Sue me, I don't care. It's not a perfect film, butwhat I like about it is the story.The story is nice. It's a romance with thrills, and its a lot of uniquefun. First time director George Nolfi is trying for an Inception, andthough he can't quite get there, it's a good try. I mean, thats goingto be a tough job.Damon and Blunt give great performances and they share a lot ofchemistry. You almost never feel like its scripted. It all feelsimprovised, but in a very good way. The dialogue just clicks with thesetwo. In short, they are perfect together.I also like how they kind of bring religion into it. Though, this sortof bothered me, I wish that they wouldn't have referred to God as "TheChairman". I mean, you hear them say that and you go,"Jesus". But otherthan that and maybe a few other things, The Adjustment Bureau works.A-

2012-05-21 16:01:35

Great Thriller and Enjoyable to Watch

I have always thought that movies based on Philip K. Dick stories (A Scanner Darkly, Next, Paycheck) have always been translated into film really well - some better than others (Blade Runner, Minority Report). While not my favorite adaptation, this film was a great thriller and enjoyable watch.The story is about David Norris (Matt Damon) , a young and popular congressman, who one day meets a beautiful and mysterious woman (Emily Blunt) and falls head-over-heels for her, only to discover that there are strange circumstances that arise to keep them apart.Matt Damon and Emily Blunt's on-screen chemistry is awesome. Both played their characters really well and both seemed to play off of each other even better. If nothing else draws you into this movie, the relationship between these two will. Matt Damon is just an awesome actor. Period.As with most other Philip Dick stories, the plotline is very mind-bending and supernatural. The story progresses extremely well and leads up to a satisfying climax. Many people were disengaged by the conclusion of the film, and while I thought that it could have been solved better, I was still contented with how it ended and enjoyed the ride getting there. The content could have been delved into a little further and I would have liked to know more about what happened to some of the other characters in the film, but there was nothing that put me off in this film. It was a fun flick and I recommend it if you're in the mood for a good thriller.As far as questionable content:There is some swearing throughout, including two strong uses of the F-word, and a brief sex scene in which you don't see anything below the shoulders.[...]

ruhel-azad 2012-05-21 01:51:22

Honestly, a waste of time

OK, I like Matt Damon, I like mystery thrillers, I like Philip K. Dick,and I like escapist cinema, and am no cineastic snob. But, this film isnaff. I was hoping for an intriguing, suspenseful, conspiracy style (cfThree days of the condor, Parallax View) film, and we got somethingquite ridiculous, schmaltzy and so on, with NY setting and visualsbeing the only redeeming feature. Emily Blunt is not bad, Terence Stampis as good as can be in a simplistic role. Matt Damon should be welladvised not to do more turkeys. Marginally better than The Tourist.Inception is a masterpiece compared to this and the Bourne films areseveral leagues above. Strangely, there's a very 80's feel to theproduction and narrative - very disappointing.

perkypops 2012-05-20 10:50:44

Its over complexity almost kills a half way decent romantic story

This is an enjoyable film, entertaining, well acted, and keenscreenplay which crosses a few genre boundaries but is largely aboutthe on-off romance between David (Damon) and Elise (Blunt). It mixes insuch vagaries as free will, "The" plan, and strange men all wearinghats to create a world where nothing, except perhaps the romance, iswhat it seems.It is a kind of Dark City meets City of Angels meets Star CrossedLovers meets.... and that is what gives the film a lot of charm andcovers over plot flaws such as - well I let you discover the biggestflaw in the whole movie when you have answered the question "Arerelationships ever predictable?" Because if they are predictable thenthe whole film loses its way, and if they are not, it loses its waytoo. But hey it's enjoyable and entertaining too so why worry.Is it over rated? Yes, if the score of over seven is anything to go by.Sure it's cute but it is no blockbuster and I have seen better romanticmovies that don't have such a dig in the sci-fi circuits.Six out of ten.

2012-05-20 00:12:28

Paving your own path.

This review is from: The Adjustment Bureau (Amazon Instant Video) This movie is all about defying what others have in mind for you and creating your own path.Absolutely great movie.The chemistry between the two main characters is simply outstanding.

Samantha Pereira 2012-05-19 09:39:14

"Angels" wearing suits? Please try again.

Any movie that has a spiritual underlying tone to it, always raisesquestions and The Adjustment Bureau did just that. Surprisingly, thismovie did not have much plot holes as compared to the other sci-figenres. From the very start of the movie, when you have the fourstatuesque figures looking out at the world. You try to figure outtheir roles in their movie. It was a nail biting movie till, theclichéd love story kicks in. My sense of optimism would like to believethat there was a bigger story of lessons to learn and the love storywas just an example the audience could relate too. Though as the movieprogresses, one would start thinking that the love story resembled the2008 movie Hancock with both the protagonists loving each in otherdifferent time periods despite the numerous reincarnations. On the whole though, classifying this movie as a thriller would be afar cry. As we all know Hollywood and clichéd endings go hand in handand this movie was brimming with it. From the ex bad boy David Norris(Matt Damon) falling hard for the free spirited, opinionated Elise(Emily Blunt) to the scene of falling in love at first sight. Righttill the end of movie with, a passionate kiss always saves the day.Hollywood, quit being a bore and give us some real thrillers.

2012-05-19 05:58:07

A true waste of time

Watching this movie is a big waste of time. I must say it had me hooked after 20 minutes because I wanted to see how truly stupid the plot would get. I was not disappointed; it went from bad to worse. If you are like me and only have a limited amount of time to watch movies, stay away from this one.

Hussein Hakem 2012-05-18 20:52:03

Strange happenings & a lot of unanswered questions

Many of us like thriller movies which keeps you on your seat's edgeeager to know what's coming The Adjustment bureau tried to deliver thesame concept in a lot of ways but it kept us confused & with a lot ofquestions. You won't understand the main focus of the film is it athriller or a sci-fi drama or it focuses on religion & the questionfree will. The direction was good as a first time director as well asthe actors Matt Damon as an elected congress men who got involved in aconspiracy bigger than he can handle & the British Emily Blunt who is aballerina & Damon's love interest who came to most of our attention inThe devil wears Prada "most girls love this movie" The film isrecommended for most audiences who like thriller movies withquestionable sequences and I don't think most of them will be fullysatisfied.

bubba_blais 2012-05-18 03:45:06

Not a very good movie...

this is a very bland movie, and i suggest you skip it in theatres. idsay get it for free with netflix and watch it when you have nothingelse to do, but even then im sure there is something on netflix that'sbetter. the lighting was dull, the script was dull, and the adjustment bureauwasn't very cool. i don't really want to go into detail, but the wholeadjustment bureau plot wasn't very good. the main problem was the pacing. you know that rising action where youfeel its gunna start getting somewhere, that necessary "calm before thestorm'? well in this movie, you get there, and it just stays there. itgot a little better, but overall i didn't really like the ending.(kind of spoilers?) also i don't like the whole lack of freewill theme.they kinda hint at something regarding freewill at the end that forIMDb reasons i wont touch on, but it's pretty lame. a really dumb partis where Thompson is talking about how dark times in history correspondto when they let us have freewill. they say that the last time theygave us freewill was in 1910, and for 50 years "we brought them WW1 and2, the holocaust, fascism", etc etc.... so now they are controlling uswith the plan again. so, Rwanda, Darfur, complete poverty and hunger in3rd world countries, Vietnam... these were part of the plan? there willalways be bad sh*t going on in the world, this part of the script waslaughable and would've been better kept out.anyways, thats what i think. don't bother with the adjustment bureau.stay home and watch Apocalypse Now.

FatMan-QaTFM 2012-05-17 15:00:57

This dime tour of NYC did not impress or entertain

This review will contain a few spoilers. Here's the first one: it'smediocre at best.Philip K. Dick shorts could fuel Hollywood for years. They're nice,well thought out premises that aren't so complicated that they leaveviewers confused – movies like Minority Report and Total Recall.However when you put a good short in the hands of someone like GeorgeNolfi, the clown responsible for penning Timeline and Ocean's Twelve,you get The Adjustment Bureau.The movie starts out as a quirky rom-com with lead man Matt Damonlosing a Senatorial election and find comfort in the arms of a flirtygirl hiding in the men's room. Such stuff as dreams are made on. He hasa chance meeting with her again some time later, but the big twistoccurs when he's confronted by the partners of Sterling Cooper DraperPryce, told it's just not meant to be and angels will kneecap him if hespills the beans about their big operation. Years later, we get areplay of the situation and it all goes to heck in a knapsack when TheAdjustment Bureau says it must not be.There are a few big problems with how this movie handles the thrilleraspects. First, you have to care about characters for any chase orconflict to even matter. We get a slew of sappy Notebook-esque lineswith little character development. As far as I'm concerned, DavidNorris is a childish flake and Elise Sellas doesn't give two crapsabout anybody's feelings but her own. Not very likable, but I guessthey do deserve each other. Second, a thriller won't be thrilling ifthere is no danger. The biggest dangers are Norris not being a greatpolitician and Sellas not becoming famous in modern dance circles. Nothreat of bodily harm and the bad guys are completely befuddled whenwater is in the picture. I've ranted in the past about this Hollywoodnotion that unless you get the girl AND the money, fame, and goodlooks, it's not worth it. For most of us, finding true love would beenough – we wouldn't have to be President on top of all that. Last, allthroughout the movie the plucky "buddy comedy" music doesn't give the asense of impending doom. If Richard Widmark's brutal wheelchair downthe stairs scene from Kiss of Death had been accompanied by bongos anda symbol hit at the end, I don't think it would carry the same weight.Maybe we've seen too many Matrix-type movies to be impressed by mind-bending sci-fi chases, but this dime tour of NYC did not impress orentertain.

sophie-lamonto 2012-05-17 08:29:19

Modern day fairy tale

A brilliant metaphor for the trust two people must have in each otherif they're to embark on the scariest and most important journey oftheir lives. Love, family and devotion. Trust in the other person, unshakable and undeniable against all odds.A refreshing film, that supports the old fashioned tradition that a manmust peruse a woman. And that women are worthy of being treated liketheir are special. It is this underlying premise and it's beautifullytold execution through excellent acting and characterization by themain leads that elevates this film above it's contemporaries, into aclass of it's own. Leaving the sex and the city generations of womenbegging to be loved, lusted after and insecure in it's dust.Part sci-fi, Part romance. The Adjustment Bureau is a multi-layeredfairy tale needed to bring back some much needed self esteem for ourtime. If a man isn't prepared to do whatever it takes for the woman heloves, he's not worth it. It also explores the idea that a relationshipcan destroy your personal dreams, and indeed it can. It is a fear thatmany of us carry around with us. But with commitment to yourself, thepartner you love and the determination to use your own "free will"perhaps this doesn't have to happen. A lovely film which restores belief in love and the balance it can havewhen it "clicks" and the courage to walk away when it doesn't. Secondbest is never good enough.

2012-05-16 10:29:55

great movie

This review is from: The Adjustment Bureau (DVD) It was a great movie. It had a very interesting concept, what it would be like if there was a higher power that, unknowingly to us, used messengers to make things happen in our lives, sometimes against our will. The main character discovers this, and spends all his energy fighting for his chance to choose his own destiny. Suspenseful, exciting, and had a sweet love story. Best of all, i thought it had a happy ending.

2012-05-16 00:31:42

Action and romance with a twist

When I first realized there was a possible underlying religious theme to this movie, I rolled my eyes and thought about shutting it off, because I am an antitheist. But, I enjoy Matt Damon's acting, and it was a very clever movie up until that point, so I kept watching. In the end, I was glad I hadn't stopped watching.This film has everything many of us want in a movie and then some. It's sci-fi, action, humor, drama, suspense and romance... and only just enough of each genre to make it an enjoyable movie. It's a great date movie, but it's also a great solo movie as well, if you are prone to "deeper than sheep" thinking.The movie makes a very clear statement about theology and our responsibilities as humans... that we have the power to create our own destinies and make our own paths, if we really want to and if we believe in ourselves - instead of believing our fate is predetermined by a higher power or fate. Unfortunately, we never see the beautiful Emily Blunt or Matt Damon wearing the clothes in which they're pictured on the front cover or the movie poster, which I think is bad marketing... trying to make a movie more physically attractive than it already is. Boo on you, marketing profs!But, aside from that, this is now one my favorite films. It's a very clever twist on an old story, and everyone involved in the production did a fantastic job in creating this movie. Bravo!

2012-05-15 13:23:45

Riveting with unexpected twists and turns!

This review is from: The Adjustment Bureau (DVD) This movie surprised me with its twists and turns in the story plot. The political picture it portrays is accurate and the characters suffer real life problems. The premise that our lives are planned by a higher authority is one that has always been speculated by those of faith. This movie takes that premise to another level by showing us how paths cross and plans must be monitored to ensure their continuity whether the people involved are happy about it or not. This is where the movie gets really interesting and fast paced and the ethical debate arises. The other part of the picture is that we are not supposed to know we are being manipulated. Freedom of life choices versus destiny become an issue. Each choice has consequences and the main character must make the ultimate choice. I will not spoil the ending for it is thrilling. I held my breath and hoped. I hope you enjoy the movie as much as I did.