At the Movies with Fatwayne

Here is another sci-fi/thriller freely doused with romance just to make it perfect. David Norris (Matt Damon ) is alone in life with no close family and a huge emptiness in his soul which causes him to seek the thrill and approval of crowds of admirers. This is why he is a politician who is running for the U.S. Senate. Before running for this top office he was quite the clown in college and his antics come back to haunt him causing him to loose a huge lead over the other hopefuls at the campaign’s final minutes. Realizing his impending defeat, he retreats to a hotel men’s room to rehearse his concession speech. It turns out that a captivating woman, Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), is hiding from hotel security for crashing a wedding. She emerges from a stall much to David’s surprise. She is quite quirky and tells him that his speech could be helped by more honesty and originality. After a kiss they part company as David has a speech to deliver.

David departs from his old prepared speech and speaks from his heart which makes him a huge hit and a sure shot for the next Senate race. The last we see of Elise is her being chased by the hotel security people.

After this we finally get a glimpse of The Adjustment Bureau. Harry Mitchell (Anthony Mackie) is sitting on a park bench near David’s apartment. His colleague instructs him to be sure that David spills coffee on his shirt at exactly 7:05 am. Harry falls asleep and misses David as he passes by thus allowing him to catch the bus on which Elise is traveling. They become acquainted once again and she gives him her phone number.

Sound confusing so far? Just wait, it gets much worse. David walks into his new office and discovers his campaign manager and old friend motionless and being examined by strange men in black suits and hats. Terrified, he takes flight and no matter how fast or stealthful he is he can not elude his pursuers. They finally capture him and tell David that there is a plan for his life and that he can’t be allowed to divert from it. Elise is not in the plan and he can not see her again – PERIOD. If he does not follow their instructions they tell him that he will be “reset” (lobotomized).

By this time David is positivelyl taken with Elise and is determined to keep seeing her despite the threats made by this mysterious and powerful group. There seems to be a past connection that he can not shake and so he continues to persue her.

As for the Adjustment Bureau, exactly just who they are is never made clear. My thoughts ranged from a diety (the Chairman) with his angels following his orders or perhaps they are very advanced aliens, who after watching mankind’s history from afar, decide that we need help instead of free will and have thus evolved a plan for humanity to follow.

Whatever the Bureau is, it seems that David has his plate full and is no match for them. But then things are not always what they appear to be. The fun is watching him escape impossible situations while hunting for his sweetie pie and hoping for a long life spent together. Can our lovers thwart long odds and find love and happiness together. I wouldn’t bet on them but I am sure that stranger things have happened. Enjoy, I did!

Rated  – PG13  -

Fatwayne’s Rating

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