THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU
(PG-13)
MOVIE: ***1/2 (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
Last year, I heard nothing but complaints about how many remakes, reboots, sequels and adaptations of old television shows were clogging up the cinemas. It was such a relief this spring to run into a slew of films that broke this mold. Many of the films (like “Source Code” and “Limitless”) were original stories, often told from a speculative fiction perspective. Others, (like “The Adjustment Bureau”) were adaptations of fiction that just hadn’t been told before. I welcomed that, and “The Adjustment Bureau” really helped give this spring a fresh scent.
The film follows a politician whose life is being adjusted by a mysterious group of people. However, when he runs into a woman several times in his life, it appears his fate might not be that adjustable. This was a fantastic piece of science fiction told in the flavor of a classic “Twilight Zone” episode. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt had some really nice chemistry, and even though her rather trite role as a would-be dancer was tired, the acting behind it was fun. And to top it off, the men in the Adjustment Bureau that are focusing his life had a strange warm and fuzzy feel to them while also showing a real eeriness.
The Blu-ray comes with a commentary, deleted and extended scenes and several featurettes: “Leaping Through New York,” “Destined to Be” and “Becoming Elise.” Blu-ray exclusive features include “The Labyrinth of Doors” which takes you through a map of the city with notes on each location, as well as BD-Live, pocketBLU and Digital Copy access.