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On the verge of launching his political career to the next level, David Norris (Matt Damon), has a chance encounter with the woman of his dreams, a modern dancer named Elise (Emily Blunt); it was supposed to be a one time meeting, but when the two meet a second time, a larger plan of their fate begins to unfold. More important though is the fact that helping this “plan” stay on track is a mysterious and seemingly supernatural group of individuals known as The Adjustment Bureau. It appears that the Bureau will stop at nothing to keep David from Elise, challenging free will vs. fate and raising more questions. Only when David catches up with bureau agent Harry Mitchell (Anthony Mackie) does he begin to get answers, but is that too late to save his relationship with Elise, and really, what or who is this Adjustment Bureau? Now, I know it’s early in the year, but to date, I can safely say this is my favorite film of the year. A compelling script based on a short story by Philip K. Dick combines science fiction, religion, and philosophy to make for an intelligent look at the world and question “what if?” Damon and Blunt have great chemistry together and successfully sell the concepts of the film to the viewer. Art direction, score, and production value all feel top notch. Freshman director George Nolfi has a lot to be proud of. The Adjustment Bureau is rated PG-13.

A lonely pet chameleon with a knack for theatre named Rango (Johnny Depp) finds himself lost somewhere in the Nevada desert. Guided by a mystic and dying armadillo (Alfred Molina) he winds up in the wild west town of Dirt– a town in dire need of a sheriff as well as a solid water supply. While attempting to blend in Rango finds himself deputized by the town’s mayor (Ned Beatty), the object of affection from another lizard named Beans (Isla Fisher), and becomes the town’s only hope of finding water. Let me be quick and to the point on this one, I loved it. The folks at Industrial Light and Magic have created an artistic animated piece of work that’s amazingly lifelike and eye popping. Meanwhile, the writing is smart, funny, and loaded with challenges of the western genre. Vocal performances from all the actors strike a direct hit, and Depp’s comedic timing is spot on. Hans Zimmer’s score and music fits the film like a glove and adds to the fun. I should point out though, the language and themes may be a little much for little little ones, but a good time for everyone else. Rango is rated PG.