THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (2011)
I see Adjustment Bureau as something like Serendipity (2001) + Vanilla Sky (2001). It’s more complex than Serendipity and simpler than Vanilla Sky.
Vanilla Sky itself is based on a Spanish film called Open Your Eyes (1997) which is much better than its American remake. I didn’t jump on the “Penelope Cruz is hot” bandwagon till I saw Open Your Eyes.
The Adjustment Bureau strikes a middle ground. It’s not as awe-inspiring as Open Your Eyes and not as escapist and candy floss infused as Serendipity. But this is not what brings down a film like this. What brings it down is the lack of the imagination of the director. He doesn’t go the distance, fully explore the universe. Sometimes, especially post-2nd Act, it loses a lot of its momentum and credibility.
Why did I enjoy it? The themes of destiny, free will, love are right up my alley! Why did I enjoy it a lot? Because of Matt Damon. I really like Damon (ahem 30 Rock ahem). He has the common man persona of a James Stewart and the charm of a Cary Grant. Roles like this suit him just fine (Also plot which usually involves a character fighting the people in power). Also, when Terrence Stamp shows up in the movie, you know it's serious.
There are many gaping holes in the sci-fi mythology a.k.a the “adjustment team” mechanism and it’s modus operandi (There are more than one type of door knobs, you know). Even some plot points which are cringe-worthy. (He fell “asleep”? Really now?) But none of those really matter as long as I’m emotionally vested in the story. If you were hoping to watch a good romantic thriller when you bought tickets for The Tourist (2010) and were severely disappointed. Repeat the same procedure with this one; I’m sure your conclusion this time would be different.
Rating: *** ½ out of *****
Rating system explained:
***** - Masterpiece
**** ½ – Awesome!
**** - Pretty good
*** ½ - Good, enjoyable.
*** - Strictly good
** ½ - Something was off
** - Bad
* ½ - Between bad and dreadful.
* - Dreadful
Similar films which I recommend:
Romantic thrillers: North by Northwest (1959), Charade (1963)
Sci-fi: The Truman Show (1998)
Romantic sci-fi: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Agree COMPLETELY. I loved the concept, loved loved the first half. This film had the potential to be so much more. The ending just fell flat and I felt like leaving.
ReplyDeleteOh and I still haven't seen Charade, will do soon ,Sir.
Honestly, I didn't mind the ending that much. It wasn't going into a "great movie ending" direction anyway.
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