The Plan

Matt Damon is once again on the run. But this time not from his past as in the "Bourne" movies, but from his future. Because that future is supposed to follow a clear pattern in "The Plan", but a powerful disruptor gets in the way: true love!

In this movie based on a short story by Philip K. Dick ("Blade Runner", "Minority Report"), Damon plays aspiring politician David Norris, who seems to have already reached the end of his career after losing his election for the U.S. Senate. But an encounter with unconventional dancer Elise (Emily Blunt) inspires him to give a speech that, in one fell swoop, makes his political future seem extremely bright again. A short time later, David meets his chance acquaintance again on a bus - and there is an immediate spark between the two. What David does not suspect: this meeting in the bus should never have taken place. Now forces are set in motion that no one knows exist to prevent David and Elise from falling in love for good. The first kiss must be prevented at all costs so as not to upset the clearly constructed fabric of the future. But David won't resign himself to this firmly prescribed plan, and he begins to fight for love - no matter the cost.

Somehow the trailer for "The Plan" conveys that the viewer is heading into similar territory here as "Inception", or at least being treated to a fast-paced fantasy thriller. Those who go into the film with this expectation may be bitterly disappointed. Because first and foremost, the directorial debut from "Bourne Ultimatum" writer George Nolfi is a great love story. And as such, the whole thing works wonderfully. That's especially thanks to the two leads, who have great chemistry together. When Matt Damon and Emily Blunt look each other in the eye, sparks just fly off the screen. It's all too understandable that David would put his promising political career on the line just to be by this woman's side. This is romance at its best, presented in an original and exciting way.

The film is also visually compelling. Shot largely on location in New York, the film boasts wonderful camerawork, with the occasional computer effects blending in splendidly. Add to that a group of very good supporting actors and an engaging soundtrack, and a perfect cinematic adventure would be finished, if it weren't for the audience's wrongly stoked expectations. Because both the fantasy and the action aspect take a rather subordinate role in the production. Sure, there are some thrilling chases and yes, the story itself is pure fantasy. But by the time David and Elise meet on the bus at the latest, it becomes clear that the fantasy mantle is only loosely swung around the romance core, too loosely to really satisfy fantasy fans.

If you're in the mood to see a very good romantic thriller with a wonderful duo of actors, great visuals, and a pleasant dash of humor, you definitely shouldn't miss "The Plan". But if you expect fantasy action in its purest form and consider every form of cinematic expression of love to be kitsch, then a visit to the cinema is definitely not in your plans. And so the bottom line is: a very good film, which only suffers from the misleading marketing. Absolutely recommendable

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp