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The Adjustment Bureau, adapted from Philip K. Dick's short story 'Adjustment Team' (1954), has been eagerly anticipated by sci-fi fans, but with some reservation. While Dick's stories tend to adapt well to the big screen, they are often morphed into big-action movies in the process. Some sci-fi classic films, including Blade Runner (1982) and Total Recall (1990), were based on Philip K. Dick stories; as were Paycheck, Minority Report, and Next. The latter three are examples of how the source material changed into star vehicle action movies; and while popular successes, they were somewhat of a disappointment to Dick fans. This was the prevailing concern about The Adjustment Bureau, which opens in theaters March 4: that the source material would be changed into a Matt Damon action vehicle, to the detriment of the story.

Additionally, fans were unsure what to expect from George Nolfi's directorial debut. Nolfi previously wrote screenplays for Ocean's Twelve and The Bourne Ultimatum, but in addition to adapting the script for The Adjustment Bureau it is also his first time behind the camera. However, as a director Nolfi displays a light touch which plays well with the story. The movie follows a senator who is afforded a glimpse behind the curtain of reality. In the process of falling in love with a ballet dancer, he is warned that this decision will affect the fate of the world, and the Bureau will enforce their own version of reality.

Another person who was relieved that this wasn't an explosion-heavy action film was one of the stars. In an interview with CinemaBlend, Damon said that being in a movie where he did not play the buffed-out action hero was refreshing. "it was nice to be in a movie where I wasn't the guy training my ass off. I was sitting in the corner just eating doughnuts."

From all accounts, the source material has been changed fairly dramatically: the protagonist is an unmarried politician, rather than a married insurance salesman.The stakes have been raised, and changed to make the romantic relationship central, but apparently it serves the story. While some aspects of the film have been called 'deeply silly', including mind-erasing and magic hats, previews have come back with resoundingly positive feedback. It seems that as long as you expect a lighter interpretation of Dick's material, you will be pleased.

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