It’s 2010. A slightly younger version of director George Nolfi is watching “Inception” for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. As the credits roll, Nolfi sits and ponders what he just saw. Then, without skipping a beat, he proclaims, “I can do that.”
OK, so it probably didn’t work out quite like that, but when watching “The Adjustment Bureau,” it’s very difficult to shake the feeling that you’re seeing “Inception” for the second time.
You might think this is a bad thing, but in actuality, it’s a great move. Why not model yourself after one of the biggest movies of the past year? In fact, “The Adjustment Bureau” only falters when it strays from the “Inception” formula.
“The Adjustment Bureau” follows the story of David Norris (Matt Damon), a congressman struggling to make it to the Senate. Just as Norris loses his campaign for Senate, he meets Elise (Emily Blunt), a ballerina that helps inspire him to try again.
Just as Norris begins to fall for Elise, the mysterious Adjustment Bureau, a group of dapper dudes who keep the world “on plan,” takes him. Apparently, Norris and Elise weren’t supposed to see each other again, and if they continue their relationship, they’ll mess up both of their fates.
From there, the film divides itself into half romance as Norris and Elise further their relationship, and half thriller as the Adjustment Bureau does everything in their power to split the couple up and get them both back on track.
Unfortunately, only one of these halves is interesting. The love story between Norris and Elise is pretty weak and doesn’t do a great job as a pillar for the film to stand on.
The Adjustment Bureau as a group is extremely interesting, however, and manages to pull its weight and then some. The practicality the filmmakers bring to a subject as nebulous as religion is fascinating, and every glimpse I got into the inner-workings of the group grabbed my attention more and more.
But no matter how engaged I was with the Bureau, the story would always take a turn back to the regrettable love story. It’s a shame because with a better plot, “The Adjustment Bureau” would’ve easily eclipsed “Inception.”
It certainly has a better cast in my opinion. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt both are spot on, but the real stars are the Bureau members themselves, played by Anthony Mackie, John Slattery and Terence Stamp. Each one brings a certain coolness to their role that makes the Bureau everything I could ever want.
Ultimately, “The Adjustment Bureau” is an interesting premise that sadly is used to fuel a trite love story. The plot is the one thing holding back an otherwise excellent movie, but it’s a big failing that might well ruin the film.
