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

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

Aug 30, 2018

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

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.

Rated: D+

Sep 8, 2017

Full Review

Leah Rozen

TheWrap

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.

Oct 7, 2011

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

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

Oct 28, 2023

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

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

Rated: 3/4

Jul 31, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

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.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 19, 2022

Full Review

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Chris P

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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/10/25

Full Review

Gareth v

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.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Ryan H

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

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

Full Review

D C

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

Full Review

Frans B

Outstanding movie with a stellar cast and very convincing bond between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, true top shelf actors. Cinematography, writing and overall look is intriguing and keeps you entertained and interested. Fast paced with enough action to make it feel shorter than it actually is. Time flies when you're having a good time. One of my all time favorite movies

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/01/25

Full Review

GI S

a 65 million dollar Trilby hat commercial I was on board and having a fun time in the first act, then the movie grinds to a hault for an hour with never ending conversations about angels, politics, dancing and love. the final act comes way too late and lacks the energy the movie promised. worth watching alone for the snapshot of early 2000's politicians, pundits (jon stewart is in this movie a couple times) and new york locations.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

Full Review

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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, George Nolfi
Screenwriter: George Nolfi
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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