No "Adjustment" needed

Does humankind truly have control over their own fate or are there fourth dimension regulators making decisions and choices for everyone? In "The Adjustment Bureau,” director George Nolfi explores the latter possibility in a climactic unraveling of the the fate-deciding corporations.

When young congressman David Norris (Matt Damon) has a steamy kiss with contemporary ballerina Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), he is supposed to never see her again. However, something goes wrong. Norris discovers a world on the other side of the veil that separates our reality from the truth. As he runs through the city fighting for his life and his love, every turn becomes an untold secret.

Audiences should know that when Damon and Nolfi team up, the result is an action thriller that never stops for a breath. This team of movie-making experts has brought us "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Ocean's Twelve," and they do not disappoint with this adapted screenplay based off Philip Dick's short story "The Adjustment Team." Dick's short stories and novels have also provided plots for blockbusters such as "Total Recall" and "Minority Report" for over a decade.

”The Adjustment Bureau” is fast-paced but completely engrossing thanks to talented leads. Damon and Blunt make up a dynamic duo that enlightens audiences to what one will do for love when it seems as though nothing else matters. Despite which character they end up playing, Damon and Blunt put on a completely believable act. Not to mention, the new pairing has extreme chemistry together.

Of course not all actors are the biggest of superstars, but Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker) really steals the spotlight with his interpretation of a different type of angel. His acting is incredible to watch and audiences will wish for more of his face on the screen. Serving as Mackie's foil, Terence Stamp (Get Smart) provides an edgy and terrifying performance. The juxtaposition between Mackie and Stamp emphasizes the rift between good and evil, moving the movie forward.

There are also strong religious allusions throughout the movie; however, Nofi's deftness as a director steers the movie away from being a preacher's sermon. And though the movie could have gotten into more about the Bureau, Nofi did not want to emphasize his film's biblical tones. Even though the film's plot was intriguing and eye opening, some curious audience members may leave the film feeling unsatisfied since Nofi leaves the specifics of the Bureau up to the imagination.

Although the movie falls into the scientific genre, there are no sensational special effects. Sure there are doors leading to different places around New York City, but the simplicity of the cinematography allows "The Adjustment Bureau" to be something besides become an "Inception" copy. Instead, the movie has unique characteristics, like magic hats and moving maps.

This may not be an award winner, but the fantastic plotline and versatile acting showcases this new and inventive look on the way people are and have always been.

"The Adjustment Bureau" (105 minutes) is rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual and a violent image. Now playing in theatres everywhere.