We all love Matt Damon for his work in the Ocean’s trilogy, the Bourne series, and many other critical successes and box office blockbusters, so it seems that he will always be able to draw a strong crowd regardless of whatever film role he chooses. The science fiction edge to The Adjustment Bureau may represent a certain departure from Damon’s comfort zone, but the premise of this romantic thriller was more than enough to generate curiosity among potential audiences. Emily Blunt’s addition to the cast as a love interest was definitely interesting, as she has been growing in popularity ever since her breakout role in 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada, and early reports indicated that the chemistry between Damon and Blunt alone was enough to make the film worth seeing. Now, The Adjustment Bureau represents George Nolfi’s directorial debut, but given his work as a writer on such blockbusters like Ocean’s Twelve and The Bourne Ultimatum, there was little reason to think that he and Damon wouldn’t be able to produce another quality film.
Looking back on The Adjustment Bureau, I did enjoy the film, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel that more could have been done with the unique premise. Damon, as always, is likable, and the chemistry he shares with Blunt makes the two a very believable couple, but the romantic edge ultimately hampers the deeper implications of the plot. The Adjustment Bureau brings some very deep philosophical implications related to free will and choice to light, and it almost seems like the film was too timid to fully delve into these issues. To put it simply, The Adjustment Bureau generates more questions than it ultimately answers, leaving the audience wanting more than just a story about the love that develops between two strangers. So, while the combination of romance, action, and philosophy is entertaining, don’t walk into Damon’s newest film expecting anything groundbreaking or revolutionary.
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Overall Recommendation: Medium
