Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Matt Damon | ... | David Norris | |
Emily Blunt | ... | Elise Sellas | |
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Lisa Thoreson | ... | Suburban Mom |
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Florence Kastriner | ... | Suburban Mom |
Michael Kelly | ... | Charlie Traynor | |
Phyllis MacBryde | ... | Suburban Neighbor | |
Natalie Carter | ... | Suburban Neighbor (as Natalie E. Carter) | |
Chuck Scarborough | ... | Chuck Scarborough | |
Jon Stewart | ... | Jon Stewart | |
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Gregory P. Hitchen | ... | U.S. Coast Guard Officer (as Capt. Gregory P. Hitchen) |
Darrell Lenormand | ... | Upstate Farmer (as Darrell James LeNormand) | |
Michael Bloomberg | ... | Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (as Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg) | |
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Kar | ... | Political Consultant |
RJ Konner | ... | Political Consultant | |
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Susan D. Michaels | ... | Reporter |
Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? A man glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue across, under and through the streets of modern-day New York the only woman he's ever loved. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Matt Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself, the men of The Adjustment Bureau, who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path... or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her. Written by Universal Pictures
Fate, coincidence and free will come at odds with one another in this sci-fi romance re-imagined by George Nolfi from the short story, "Adjustment Team", by sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick. Nolfi's plot can go from interesting and intriguing to downright silly at times but the main attraction is not the narrative. It is the pulsating chemistry between lead stars Matt Damon and the sensually beguiling Emily Blunt set in all the famous spots of Manhattan and NYC.
Having been to New York City recently, I find the sets nostalgic, and I am defenseless to the charms of Emily Blunt.
Young Senate candidate for New York City, David Norris (Damon), is rehearsing his speech in the men's restroom when a beautiful stranger (Blunt, right, with Damon) emerges from one of the stalls and starts chatting with him. Before she leaves - in quite a hurry - they have an impulsive, passionate kiss, and he is smitten. Their next encounter in a city bus has to be by chance - and he learns that her name is Elise. He is determined to call her. To court her...
And then David comes across a bunch of Men in Black suits and hats, led by a Mr Richardson (John Slattery), who says bluntly: "We are the people who make sure things go according to plan." David's relationship with the free-spirited Elise is NOT part of their plan and he must not see her again - for both his and her own good! The rest of the movie is, of course, the tussle between Love and Fate for David. After being charmed by Elise, a rising star ballerina, we can understand why David is bent on seeing her. We can also understand how their relationship would possibly wreck their careers - and why David would want to take a chance on that. David and Elise seem so perfect for each other that we root for them.
It is good that Nolfi has written such a romantic angle into this Dick tale instead of turning it into another action flick like "Total Recall", "Paycheck" and "Screamers". He could have polished up a bit more on the second half to keep it from becoming childish, though. Still, the notion of Fates personified could not be taken too seriously - and it would be better to just go along with the flow of the love story so charmingly portrayed by Damon and Blunt - and supported by a sympathetic Anthony Mackie and menacing Terence Stamp as members of the Adjustment Bureau. Emily Blunt has such captivating eyes that look into your soul and make you weep.