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Here's a look at the new movies I saw last week.

The Adjustment Bureau

Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, John Slattery, Anthony Mackie, and Terence Stamp

Synopsis: This film, based on a Philip K. Dick story, marks the directorial debut for George Nolfi. While he demonstrates some skill at putting a film together, this movie has some obvious flaws. The major flaw is a confusing story mix. The film is like a hybrid sci-fi thriller/religious exploration. The explanation for the Adjustment Bureau personnel, the leader of the bureau, and the "plan" seems like a watered down version of religious dogma, but it's mixed with the typical story elements from a Philip K. Dick exploration. That makes for a complex narrative at times, and at the same time nothing is ever really explained. However, the performances and the relationship at the heart of this film keep you hooked. Damon and Blunt have great rapport on screen, and their scenes together are the bright spot of the film. Their scenes together form the heart of the film, and it's enough to help you get past the gapping plot holes while you're watching the film. "The Adjustment Bureau" is the kind of movie that falls apart the more you think about it, but it's entertaining and the relationship at the heart of the film makes it worth watching.

Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexuality and a violent image.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Rango

Featuring the voice talents of: Johnny Depp, Ned Beatty, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant, and Alfred Molina

Synopsis: This is an interesting take on the typical animated feature. Director Gore Verbinski ("Pirates of the Caribbean") looks to incorporate elements of the traditional spaghetti western, "Chinatown," and a host of other fare into this film. It makes for a wacky, interesting mixture. This is not really a kids movie. Most of the references and a solid dollop of the plot is really aimed at adult viewers. That's not to say kids might not enjoy some of the film. It follows a lizard named Rango (Depp) who stumbles upon a small down in the desert, creates a persona, and becomes sheriff. It's only then that Rango realizes two things — he's horribly outmatched for the job and there's some real peril in this town if someone doesn't stand up to the mayor (Beatty). I give Verbinski and screenwriter John Logan ("Gladiator") credit for trying something new, and Depp does a nice job in the lead role, but "Rango" isn't overly compelling. The first half is predictable and boring, and while the plot gets slightly more interesting later in the film, it never rises to the level of great. It's a mildly entertaining cartoon feature with a unique premise.

Rating: PG for rude humor, language, action and smoking.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.