The Adjustment Bureau Review

"Fate isn’t that bad"

David Norris (Matt Damon), a rising politician, starts a refreshing romance with a ballet dancer named Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). At the height of success and flirtation he accidentally discovers a group of agents that claim to control fate. Upon their unveiling, they inform David that his love for Ms. Sellas is misplaced, for it is against their paths of destiny and will destroy their dreams. David’s love only grows stronger and he becomes fixated on being with Elise while maintaining his political standing. The harder David tries the more he jeopardizes his and Elise lives to the hands of “The Adjustment Bureau.”

A reoccurring theme within a lot of my reviews is the phrase “manage your expectations.” This phrase can be directly applied to “The Adjustment Bureau.” Unfortunately managing expectations isn’t as easy as it seems, especially because of movie advertisements and misleading trailers. After seeing the film and then revisiting some of the TV spots and online trailers, I don’t believe we (us as an audience) were completely mislead but I was expecting a bit more action than “The Adjustment Bureau” had to offer. Not the films fault, but I also found myself craving some Jason Bourne moves whenever Mr. David Norris got into trouble. To be honest David Norris has spunk but he’s nowhere close to the likes of Bourne. Mr. Norris could be more accurately described as a genuine and determined hopeless romantic.

This film is unequivocally a romantic drama with a thriller overtone. By no means is this a negative statement but understanding this fact will allow you to better enjoy this film. Fellas don’t be upset, there is enough chase scenes to moderately satisfy your action needs but it will also keep your date happy and heart warmed.

By far the most intriguing aspect of this film is the chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Both actors do an excellent job portraying a true connection between their characters. The audience will immediately fall in love with Elise Sellas and understand why David Norris needs her in his life. This film isn’t extremely exciting and doesn’t boldly stand a part from any other romance or thriller but it does create a unique combination of the two, in a very professional and sophisticated way. “The Adjustment Bureau” is refreshing; I recommend this film for a great date night or Sunday afternoon.

B

The Town Hits Home

Ben Affleck… during the early turn of the millennium and the 90’s, he has become the butt of every joke about bad acting and frankly a sad disappointment. But as we laugh and make fun, Ben was perfecting his skills and has evolved into a respectable and invested storyteller; directing one of my favorite films “Gone Baby Gone” in 2007.

Ben’s sophomore directorial, “The Town” is back in Boston following a group of childhood friends turned notorious bank robbers. Lead by Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) and his trigger-happy best friend James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner) they meticulously plan heists to perfection hitting a number of armored cars. They quickly gain confidence and rob a large bank; mistakes are made and they are forced to take a hostage. Bank Manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) is blind folded by hostile men and left tied up alone on the shoreline. Despite heist complications MacRay and his crew believe they’ve escaped without a trace until its brought to their attention that the FBI has found their hostage and is on a full scale man hunt. Task force leader Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) is getting closer to discovering their identities by the hour and he starts his investigation with Ms.Keesey.

Paranoid, MacRay be-friends Ms.Keesey to assess her knowledge of incriminating details about him and his team; clueless of his true identity, she falls in love with him and they begin a relationship behind the teams back and in plain sight of the FBI. Suspicions rise from all sides, along with the investigation and the difficulty and dangerousness of their following heists. MacRay’s loyalty is conflicted between his friends and new love, in the midst of a closing investigation and critical heists.

The town is a multi-layered film, telling a love story within a cops and robbers action drama, while testing the morals of lasting friendship. As a director Ben Affleck makes all the right decisions and illustrates an emotional and honest narrative. The cast is near-flawless with the exception of Mr. Affleck’s melodramatic relapse in one scene, but all in all this is a great film and one of my favorites of the year. Buy this film on Blu-ray and add it to your collection of great films.

A-

True Grit Review

"True Grit" lacks just that…

True Grit is about fourteen year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who is determined to avenge the death of her father. Mattie’s vigor persistence convinces the both reluctant and trigger-happy US Marshal Roger Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), to aid her manhunt of outlaw and murderer Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Her journey for vengeance is complicated by the involvement of Texas Ranger LeBouef (Matt Damon) and his determination to see Chaney hang in Texas for his crimes against the state, instead of the murder of her father. Mattie must endure the elements of her journey, maintain the motivation and sobriety of Cogburn and race against LeBouef to get her man brought to justice in the name of her father.

The Coen brothers appropriately pay homage to the original film following the basis of its storyline. However their version elevates itself above the original with the usage of exceptional dialogue; which adds excitement to an otherwise slow pacing film. The intelligent, quick tongued and sarcastic Mattie Ross quickly becomes an audience favorite and noble heroine. In my opinion both Mattie Ross the character and Hailee Steinfeld the actress hold this film together. Hailee Steinfeld is deservingly nominated for an Oscar, along with Jeff Bridges. Bridges nomination surprises me; he played the part well but by no means was his performance extraordinary or incomparable. I think his nomination is nothing more than the aftermath of his “Crazy Heart” performance and the lack of competition this year. I actually think that outside of Steinfeld the only other memorable actor was Barry Pepper who played gang leader Lucky Ned Pepper. Though his screen time is limited and near the end of the film, I thought he actually stole all the scenes with Josh Brolin.

Despite all my negativity, True Grit is a good film; it’s just not a great film. I think all its vast positive criticism is nothing more than blind praise to a John Wayne remake and Coen Brothers film. If you like Coen brothers films or westerns, it’s definitely worth viewing but maintain your expectations and rent it in a few months.

B-