Needs to adjust to reality
Do we control our own lives, or are they pre-destined by higher beings? The Adjustment Bureau, directed by George Nolfi, examines the themes of fate, destiny and free will.
David Norris (Matt Damon), a rising young politician running for a seat in the US Senate, bumps into ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). The chance encounter opens up a whole new world for Norris, who suddenly realises that there could be a future for him away from politics.
But he soon finds out there are mysterious men who want to keep him apart from the only woman he's ever loved.
These agents, led by the 'Chairman', have already mapped out Norris' life and will do anything to prevent him and Elise from being together.
Damon and Nolfi had worked together previously on spy thriller The Bourne Ultimatum, so expectations here are high. Unfortunately, Bureau falls short.
The plot is shallow, with a predictable ending. The two lead characters lack the chemistry necessary to convince the audience they would risk their lives to be together. And the once engaging Damon is just bland.
Happily, Blunt is superb as a free-spirited ballerina who goes with the flow, while showing off some beautiful dance moves in the process. Unfortunately it just stresses the improbability of such a spontaneous character falling in love with an ordinary politician without charm. Go figure.
