The Adjustment Bureau

A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.”

Matt
Rating: 8 out of 10

I have to say that on the surface, I thought this was just another government conspiracy movie. While it’s still a conspiracy flick, it’s a darn good one.

Not unlike “The Matrix,” where they contrived a believable world out of unbelievable circumstances, this film succeeds. The world is completely controlled, well mostly. It sort of takes away the whole free will theory for most people, or at least important people. The entire concept that drives the movie is an adjustment bureau that can control your life. They have a person assigned to you who can guide your thoughts and actions by influencing you with experiences. The love story at the center of this movie, which really compels the film, was such a controlled circumstance. They meet, hit it off, and fall for each other instantly. But the bureau has other plans, despite Damon’s characters pursuit of his lost love.

The movie takes some really interesting twists and turns, with a climactic ending that is satisfying and entertaining. Definitely a solid sci-fi film with a compelling love story, good performances, and a nice pace and tone. It’s patient enough to develop characters while throwing in some intrigue and mystery that propels the film with action and drama.

Gnomeo and Juliet

An edgy Shakespeare adaptation like no other, this animated musical transports the classic tale of forbidden romance between two star-crossed lovers from warring families to the unlikely yet hysterical world of garden gnomes. Featuring songs from legendary recording artist Elton John, this movie features the vocal talents of Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Jason Statham, Patrick Stewart and Michael Caine.

Lauren
Rating: 8 out of 10

Awwwe. Gnomeo & Juliet is so cute. These angry little garden gnomes live in neighboring English gardens and come to life whenever their owners disappear.

Just like in the original Romeo & Juliet, the two families are feuding but we don’t really know why. Gnomeo is a blue and Juliet is a red but when they first see each other they miss the color of the others hat and fall in love.

Things get complicated when they find out who the other is, but anyone who knows Shakespeare’s story knows what’s coming. Of course this is a cartoon about Gnomes so there isn’t as much sex or death, but the general components of the classic tragedy are there.

The story isn’t the only thing that’s cute. The animation is also unique and creative. The gnomes are all a little scratched and dented, which make them look lifelike.

I should admit, I boycotted the 3D version for the old-fashioned 2D, so I can’t comment there. But I don’t know that any movie needs 3D, let alone Gnomeo & Juliet.

Wild Target

When veteran hit man Victor Maynard (Bill Nighy) finds himself unable to kill his latest target, Rose (Emily Blunt), he winds up with an unexpected sidekick, Tony (Rupert Grint), who thinks Victor is a detective in this action-packed comedy from Britain. Now, with Rose and Tony tagging along, Victor tries to deal with the dual forces of his overbearing mother (Eileen Atkins) and a very angry client (Rupert Everett) who wants Rose dead.

Kyle
6 out of 10

As with many straight-to-DVD comedies on the shelves at Blockbuster, I grabbed it wondering if it was worth my time. When I put it in, though, and started to watch, I found myself more entertained than I thought I would.
Bill Nighy plays a professional assassin hired to kill a thief, played by Emily Blunt. This woman is stunning beyond the realm of my comprehension. My eyes were glued to her throughout the entire film. She could just wear a carpet as a dress with holes cut out for her arms and make it look sexy. As for Bill Nighy, he was great as the mother-respected assassin. I can’t really say anything good or bad about Rupert Grint’s performance. A lot of his character reminded me a bit of Ron in the Potter films, as Ron always provides the dimwitted comic relief, not so much now in the franchise. Hopefully this is a good transitional film for him. I’m not quite sure where his potential stands.

All in all, I thought this was a pretty decent flick. It had the typical reconciliation ending, but it was appropriate. The funny assassin films seem to be coming about more now, however, this doesn’t really compare to the others. This would be a good film to pop in with your boyfriend or girlfriend if you don’t feel like going out.

The Young Victoria

Dominated by her possessive mother and her bullying consort since childhood, teenager Victoria (Emily Blunt) refuses to allow them the power of acting as her regent in the last days of her uncle, William IV’s rule. Her German cousin  and love interest Albert (Rupert Friend) is encouraged to court her for solely political motives but, following her accession at age 18, finds he is falling for her and is dismayed at her reliance on trusty premier Melbourne. Victoria is impressed by Albert’s philanthropy which is akin to her own desire to help her subjects. However her loyalty to Melbourne, perceived as a self-seeker, almost causes a constitutional crisis and it is Albert who helps restore her self-confidence. She proposes and they marry, Albert proving himself not only a devoted spouse, prepared to take an assassin’s bullet for her, but an agent of much-needed reform, finally endorsed by an admiring Melbourne.

Matt
Rating: 4 out of 10

I wish you could punch a movie.That’s all I could think about when I watched this dreadfully boring film.

I can’t be the only one who could give a rat’s flea-infested ass about the English royal family, can I? It’s just so dramatic, privileged, disconnected, and weird. I mean, these people marry their own family members and we act like they’re so great.

And that’s what is at the heart of this movie — a love story between two royal inbreeds.

There is nothing I can relate to in this movie. It has detached characters who live in a world that is remote and foreign to me, but boring. The film is directed by newbie Jean-Marc Vallée, but this is essentially a high-budget PBS movie. There wasn’t much to work with for a script, which is why there was so much emphasis on the costumes — which were excellent. Of course, I don’t really care about costumes, either.