The Adjustment Bureau

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The Adjustment Bureau

PG-13

2011

1h 45m

Mystery & Thriller

Romance

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

258 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Just as he is on the brink of winning a Senate seat, politician David Norris (Matt Damon) meets a ballerina named Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). Though David is instantly smitten, mysterious men conspire to keep him away from the beautiful dancer. David learns that he is facing the powerful agents of Fate itself, and glimpsing the future laid out for him, must either accept a predetermined path that does not include Elise or else defy Fate to be with her.

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Critics Consensus

First-time writer/director George Nolfi struggles to maintain a consistent tone, but The Adjustment Bureau rises on the strong, believable chemistry of its stars.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

08/30/2018

There are plot holes within plot holes within plot holes, and although acres of raw exposition are provided, nothing ever makes proper sense.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

09/08/2017

D+

It was a decent concept (at best) that was not supported with a good screenplay, and grew sillier by the minute. It just didn't work.

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Leah Rozen

TheWrap

10/07/2011

Accomplished filmmaking that features two highly attractive, talented leads, a healthy dose of sentiment, an intelligent script, and which takes you away for two hours from the quotidian worries and banalities of your regular life.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

10/28/2023

What sustains the film is the handsome location shooting and the chemistry between the very photogenic leads.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

07/31/2023

3/4

Shot without much visual panache, The Adjustment Bureau remains a confident and well-executed film by first-time director Nolfi.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/19/2022

2/5

The film is well made, uses some great Brooklyn locations, and has some nice performances especially from it’s two leads. But the inconsistent script, lackluster ending, and flat-out silliness brings down what could have been a fun movie.

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CadeandKit R

@CadeandKit Dec 3

A grounded, stylish sci-fi romance that plays with "time travel" in a different way: not through decades, but through doorways, detours, and the small adjustments that can alter a life. A strong pick for a theme centered on how cinema reshapes our understanding of time.

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VITALII H

@freakynickison Oct 25

Pretty straight to the point. We have a plot, not many characters involved, easy to watch and follow. The movie is about two people who are ready to do whatever it takes to be together despite being destined to never meet again because of the mysterious group of men that are doing everything possible to keep them apart. As for the thriller aspect of the movie I expected more dynamic scenes but we got what we got and the end result is still enjoyable.

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Chris P

Aug 10

Seems like movie critics read or overthink things a bit too much. Feels like oftentimes they miss the point. This was a great movie--well casted and acted, well written, great music. It leaves you feeling really good.

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Gareth v

Aug 8

The Adjustment Bureau offers an original idea and solid performances but doesn’t quite live up to its potential. Worth a watch for sci-fi fans, but don’t expect a flawless ride.

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Ryan H

Jul 6

A surprisingly light, heart-felt, yet entertaining film about destiny & choice.

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D C

May 28

I watched it again recently and still think the central premise is an interesting idea. The on screen chemistry between Blunt and Damon is clear and that helps add believability to their characters. I felt Mackie was also very good in his role. My only issue I felt the beginning gets you interested and the end adds some tension but the middle just seems to meander for me. Still I thinks its a good movie.

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George Nolfi

Director

Matt Damon

David Norris

Emily Blunt

Elise Sellas

Anthony Mackie

Harry Mitchell

John Slattery

Richardson

Michael Kelly

Charlie Traynor

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Synopsis

Just as he is on the brink of winning a Senate seat, politician David Norris (Matt Damon) meets a ballerina named Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). Though David is instantly smitten, mysterious men conspire to keep him away from the beautiful dancer. David learns that he is facing the powerful agents of Fate itself, and glimpsing the future laid out for him, must either accept a predetermined path that does not include Elise or else defy Fate to be with her.

Director: George Nolfi
Producer: Bill Carraro, Michael Hackett, Chris Moore
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Gambit Pictures, Electric Shepherd
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language|A Violent Image|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Romance, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 4, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 13, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $62.5M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, DTS

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