Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • March 16, 2011 ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ keeps life moving by Dennis Seuling In “The Adjustment Bureau,” David Norris (Matt Damon), a candidate for Senator from New York, meets attractive ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), a woman unlike any he has ever met. There is an immediate attraction, but when David realizes he is falling in love with her, a group of mysterious men conspire to keep them apart. They identify themselves as the ones responsible for making adjustments when a person’s life plan goes off track. They are determined to prevent David from ever seeing Elise again. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, “The Adjustment Bureau” is an interesting blend of sci-fi, romantic drama, and thriller. There are no robots, rocket ships, or alien invasions, nor is the tale set in outer space. This earthbound story leans heavily toward fantasy with its notion of life overseers constantly monitoring and guiding people’s lives according to a grand plan. These adjusters wear dark suits and hats -- the kind men wore in the 1940s, but are rare in modern times. Those hats play a significant role in the adjusters’ operations. The success of a film like this depends on a tight script that induces the audience to buy into the concept, which in this case is pretty far-fetched. Writer/director George Nolfi manages to hold viewers through the plot’s familiar elements -- a developing romance, an ambitious politician, and a contest between free will and predestination. Because the movie features two attractive leads and a fast pace, the audience goes along for the ride. Damon is very good as Norris, a man who is willing to risk everything for the woman he loves despite the powers working against him. His Norris registers the proper amount of disbelief when he first meets the team of adjusters, but quickly accepts that they can do what they claim. This moves the plot along briskly, since the audience doesn’t have to wait around for Norris to learn what it already knows. Damon’s star sheen makes his character’s charisma and affability believable as he tries to extricate himself from a confounding puzzle. Blunt (“The Devil Wears Prada”) is lovely and conveys both ethereal charm and earthy passion. Her Elise enters David’s life, sometimes by chance, other times by plan, but he never stops thinking of her, even when she attempts to move on with her social life. The chemistry between Damon and Blunt is strong, and viewers accept David’s infatuation for her, though he does seem to fall for her a bit too fast. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt in ‘The Adjustment Bureau.’ There are excellent supporting performances by John Slattery (TV’s “Mad Men”) and Terence Stamp as two of the main adjusters and Anthony Mackie (“The Hurt Locker”) as an adjuster with compassion. Mackie’s Harry is a major source of exposition, meting out answers to questions both David and the audience must understand. Expository characters generally are merely functional, but Mackie has a gentle charm that distinguishes him from his colleagues, who are rigidly efficient and unwavering in their mission. The script keeps the exact nature of the adjusters vague. They are under orders from the Chairman, a never-seen entity with obviously impressive abilities, but the script never uses the word “God.” So the adjusters may or may not be angels on a mission to guide David’s life on a path only the Chairman can foresee. Viewers can read that into the movie or just take it as a sci-fi conceit. Whichever way a viewer interprets the adjusters, the story holds up and seldom bogs down. “The Adjustment Bureau” relies heavily on the romantic plot, with the sci-fi element a melodramatic device to keep David and Elise apart. In a less imaginative movie, the impediment to two lovers getting together might be family, illness, separation, or death. Here, the obstacle is complex and the way of surmounting it unclear. Rated PG-13 for some violence and strong language, “The Adjustment Bureau” should appeal to a wide audience. It handles the romantic aspect effectively, has plenty of action, creates suspense, and delivers first-class performances. This is not a typical sci-fi flick, but a unique variation on the genre. State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 1 $ 00 On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 2 at one of the FINE RESAURTANTS advertised in The Villadom TIMES Make Reservations Now!