'The Adjustment Bureau (2011)' is based on a story by Philip K. Dick and has a really interesting, philosophically dense premise with tons of potential. Though the movie doesn't quite fully capitalise on its stellar concept, it still manages to typically be an entertaining romantic thriller. The characters accept outlandish things a little too easily and are, generally speaking, incredibly forgiving and unreasonably trusting, to boot. The plotting is a little loose, including two jarring time jumps, and there's just this sense that the thing isn't really exploring its themes as deeply as it could be. Still, as I mentioned, it's an enjoyable affair overall. Technically, it's really well achieved; the solid direction, charismatic acting, subtle visual effects and heavy-handed yet successful music score all combine to give you the sense that you're in steady, self-assured hands. The flick is admittedly a little emotionally manipulative, though. Its ending is also quite bad, sort of going against its premise (or, at least, relating to it in an unbelievable way) and feeling as though it (quite literally) relies on a Deus ex machina in order to provide a happy ending. Despite its problems and, for lack of a better term, sort of 'basic' vibe, it's ultimately a solid, somewhat mind-bending romantic thriller. 7/10.
Review of The Adjustment Bureau
