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The Adjustment Bureau Review

Movies.com Critics

2.5

Dave White Profile

Inception for Dummies. Read full review

4.0

Grae Drake Profile

Paranoia never looked so good. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    60

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 50

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    Two movies for the price of one, though only one of them-a fragmented romance within a ponderous parable-qualifies as a bargain.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    Variety Justin Chang

    Its fun first hour soon gives way to a leaden, expository approach that unwisely favors emotional stakes over speculative-fiction smarts.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    Compelling enough, a sort of "Inception"-lite, but the plot holes take it off course.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    What results, against some odds, is an intriguing entertainment. Adjustment Bureau's central concept is certainly ingenious, but the details are a little wonky and don't stand up to too much scrutiny.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    A smart and good movie that could have been a great one if it had a little more daring.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    An enjoyable piece of hokum ? your basic doom-laden parable of metaphysical sci-fi mind control, only with a surprise romantic sparkle.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Todd McCarthy

    George Nofi pulls off a relative rarity in his feature film debut by creating a genuinely romantic fantasy suspense thriller.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    The New York Times Manohla Dargis

    One reason filmmakers like Mr. Nolfi seem attracted to Philip K. Dick's work, beyond the brilliance of its ideas, is that his unembellished writing style leaves them room to make the stories visually their own.

    Read Full Review

  • See all The Adjustment Bureau reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 14+

Sci-fi/romance hybrid mixes plot twists, serious themes.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this twist romance wrapped up in a sci-fi thriller tackles some complicated themes -- i.e. who controls our fate? -- that might be too overwhelming for tweens and younger. The way the movie addresses them is also pretty tricky to follow, though it’s sure to spur some mind-bending questions. Expect some swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") and a few scenes with drinking, as well as one relatively tame love scene. There are also tense chase sequences, fistfights, and a shocking car accident.

  • Families can talk about how the movie compares to other thrillers. Is it more or less scary and violent? Which is harder for you to watch -- tense scenes or violent ones? Why?
  • What is the movie saying about people's fate? Do you agree? Do we control our own destinies, or is life mapped out for us?
  • What do you think of the characters' decisions? What would you give up, if necessary, for love?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: The movie asks a big question: Do we control our own destinies, or is our fate predetermined? Here, it’s made clear that free will is a myth and that there is indeed a master plan for humanity -- and that people who stray from the path that's been set for them will face dire consequences.

  • rolemodels true1

    Role models: David Norris seems to be living a charmed life as a rising star in politics, but he’s willing to give it all up for love.

What to watch for
  • violence false2

    Violence: Some extended, frantic chase scenes, a few fistfights, and one shocking car accident.

  • sex false2

    Sex: Some kissing, and one love scene (but no nudity).

  • language false3

    Language: Occasional swearing includes a couple of uses of "f--k" and several “s--t"s, plus “bulls--t," "hell," "ass," "damn," "goddamn," and more.

  • consumerism false1

    Consumerism: A Nationwide billboard is shown several times. Damon's character has an iPod.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false2

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some scenes feature people drinking beers in bars.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.961
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

Heart renching by lovethemusic
This movie has been out for awhile but its one of those films that certaintly doesnt get enough rave for its quality. First off it is a story about a man having his whole life planned out for him. Except for one day where a girl that he meets will change his and her future for the worse. He is warned that he cant see this girl or else her dreams will be crushed. He soon then rides on the same bus every day were they met hoping to find and meet her again. After years of hope he finally sees her and is warned again. Leaving her with the regret of her ambitions being ruined they decide to break rules to be with eachother and not regret the rocky past and confusing future. Over all it was great!!! The acting showed a reall compassion between each moment. This would be geared towards a older group because it is a little confusing as i was trying my best to describe. It also is verbally mature mentioning swears and some sexuall scenes. It is not an easy plot line to describe

3

Great Premise, Poor Execution by PassiveCarrot
Good: The acting is stellar, Matt Damon does his best to do what he does. Emily Blunt is a strong passionate female lead. The cinematography is fine, as is the dialogue. Bad: The directing is a mixed bag, maybe it's because of the spotty writing. There are lot of plot-holes and I feel like this are not elaborated on at all! The story takes a weird turn near the end, this is science fiction nowhere NEAR its best. Verdict: Watch it with your friends or teen-aged kids, but don't get too excited about the premise because it doesn't live up to the hype and expectations.

4

by halfonit

4


Elise Sellas: Because of you. I'm not hopeless romantic. I'd never allow myself to be that way. But once I felt, even for a moment what I felt with you, you ruined me. I didn't want to settle for less.

4

by lizcass

4

by 2giggly

3

by Sindath89

Read all The Adjustment Bureau reviews at Fandango
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