BOTTOM LINE: The story is clever and the performances by Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are compelling, but somehow this film never really fires up in any exciting way, leaving a film that is not as gripping as it probably should have been, given its ingredients.

THE GOOD: The concepts at the core of this film are to do with destiny versus free will. The story introduces this concept of a bureau of ‘men’ who adjust people’s lives to ensure they stay on track according to the grand plan set by the ‘chairman’. Of course, the ‘men’ in question here stand-in for angels, and the unseen ‘chairman’ is God, but this is never exposed in this way, leaving you to fill in your own interpretation of who they are according to what you believe. Matt Damon plays David Norris, an up and coming politician who meets by chance the beautiful and intriguing Elise (Emily Blunt). They have an instant connection, but the ‘Adjustment Bureau’ is keen to keep them apart as they do not belong together in the grand plan. David inadvertently discovers the existence of the Bureau, and they level with him, telling him exactly who they are and why he has to stay away from Elise. However, problems occur when David keeps having chance encounters with Elise, which prompts him to go against the plan so he can be with her, leading to a surprising climax where destiny and free will seem intertwined, despite their seemingly opposed characteristics. The strength of this film lies in its concept, and the compelling performances of Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Damon in particular really makes you believe in his character’s plight to find love and happiness with Elise. The machinations of the ‘Adjustment Bureau’ are equally fascinating, particularly when Thompson (Terence Stamp) shows up to give some bigger picture explanations as to what is happening. The Adjustment Bureau is a story about destiny, free will and God, but without a religious emphasis, which makes it all the more interesting to watch in that it feels more like a science fiction film, even though it is not.

THE BAD: The film is not particularly exciting. In a way, it is a chase film, but somehow, the way the extended dialogue sequences are handled, and the lack of any real dramatic stakes, make this film flat and unengaging in parts. If it was not for Matt Damon and Emily Blunt with their compelling performances, and the strong concepts at play in the story, this film would be a rather boring endeavour. Having Terence Stamp in the film was a stroke of genius, but they never take advantage of his presence, and the poor guy just has to punch out exposition for most of the time he is on screen. This is a shame because the film has all the ingredients to be a compelling and exciting story, but it just never quite hits the ball out of the park.