The Adjustment Bureau

Existentialist questions about predestination and free will permeate this plodding sci-fi thriller (based on a 1954 short story by Philip K. Dick) about smartly tailored, celestial messengers walking undetected among us to keep us spiritually on track as we search for soul mates. Idealistic David Norris (Matt Damon) is a popular Brooklyn congressman who loses his initial bid to become a U.S. senator. Just before he concedes the election, he meets Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), an outspoken dancer who inspires him to deliver a pivotal speech that revives his political career—but then she quickly disappears. Apparently they're not meant to be together—at least, according to a squadron of menacing “adjusters” and case officers (John Slattery, Anthony Mackie, Terence Stamp) who can manipulate not only traffic but also the space/time continuum, creating a labyrinthine system of enchanted “doors” transporting them from one end of Manhattan to another. David is told that if he will abandon his quest to find Elise, his future not only includes a successful senatorial bid but also the U.S. presidency. But David and Elise feel an irresistible, if inexplicable, attraction, so their situation is referred to the Chairman, a euphemism for God. While writer-director George Nolfi adds the provocative romantic element to the source material, he never develops credible characters in this film that also suffers from clichéd dialogue and ludicrous plot holes. Still, Damon and Blunt are likeable thespians, and there are cameos by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Jon Stewart, and Jesse Jackson. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by writer-director George Nolfi, a “Leaping Through New York” behind-the-scenes featurette (8 min.), deleted/extended scenes (7 min.), the production featurettes “Becoming Elise” (7 min.) and “Destined to Be” (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are “The Labyrinth of Doors” interactive map of New York City (with locations and behind-the-scenes clips), bonus DVD and digital copies of the film, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven film.] (S. Granger)