Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, The Adjustment Bureau opens in theaters this weekend.
The Hollywood Reporter has weighed in with their review of the film.
George Nofi pulls off a relative rarity in his feature film debut — which stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt — by creating a genuinely romantic fantasy suspense thriller.
With vibes from such recent clever films as The Matrix, Duplicity and Inception darting through this adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story, first-time director George Nolfi has pulled off a relative rarity — a genuinely romantic fantasy suspense thriller — in The Adjustment Bureau. Quite low-tech as these things go and a great New York location film in the bargain (no Toronto doubling here, thank you very much), the picture nimbly scampers all over the city while betraying a disarmingly whimsical attitude toward the central couple’s peculiar peril. Although more accessible conceptually and dramatically than either the Wachowskis’ or Nolan’s films, and possessing far more heart, this classy Universal release might nonetheless be perceived as too brainy and sophisticated for lowest common denominator mass consumption, indicating good but not great box-office results.
> too brainy and sophisticated for lowest common denominator mass consumption
This is, OC, the reason we have so much crap in films and TV. Pandering to the total idiot audience is the bane of entertainment. It’s refreshing to think that this movie has some decent cerebral content in it. Makes me even more interested in seeing it.
“…this classy Universal release might nonetheless be perceived as too brainy and sophisticated for lowest common denominator mass consumption, indicating good but not great box-office results.”
And this, ladies and gentlemen, should be considered a god-damned shame.
Truth be told, if Matt Damon wasn’t attached to this film, it probably would have never been made, for the reasons mentioned above.
Because the studios aren’t interested in making smart, engaging movies.
They really truly don’t give a frack.
It’s not about a classy, smart, or sophisticated film.
It’s about how much money they can bring in.
Chris Nolan was allowed to make “Inception” because “The Dark Knight” made so much money, the studio said, “Whatever you want. Make it. We don’t care.”
If “The Dark Knight” hadn’t been such a resounding Hit ($$$), we probably would not have seen “Inception”.
Which is why we’ll see most likely *will* see “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 6”.
I’m going to cast my vote ($$) for movies like “The Adjustment Bureau” and hope that the studio makes enough money on it to bring us more of its like.
Personally, I don’t like being called “lowest common denominator” by some self-absorbed Hollywood fu*khead!
Truly sad that a film with some intelligence behind it would cause studio cause to give it pause. Did they not learn anything from Inception? There are intelligent, thoughtful people out there that want a good story and solid characterization.
Unfortunately, I fear we’re getting closer and closer to that world in Idiocracy, especially when something as interesting and thought provoking as Fringe is always on the bubble and in jeopardy of being cancelled, but there is never a shortage or Wrestling or a Jersey Shore episode to be inflicted with.
@notme – He’s not calling YOU the lowest common denominator. He’s agreeing with us.
He’s talking about the vast majority of people out there that can’t understand an interesting movie. Look at the blockbuster success of films like Memento and Identity. Just a little thought required and people don’t seem to get it. Inception did well because it – looked – like a James Bond movie with lots of action and stuff blowing up. (plus about 10 to the 20th power bullets)
I’m not familiar with the Philip K. Dick story but I’ll probably go see this.
I’ve been getting excited about this one from the ads, and although this is only one review it gives me hope it might actually be a good film, good deal.
Maybe we’ll finally figure out what the Observers on Fringe are up to. Oh wait…
Looks like an interesting take on Dark City.
This isn’t Dark City, it’s Alice Through the Looking Glass. And I want more of the “smarter films.” Lately, most movies are for 9 year olds.