Damon plays a politician, David Norris, who seems a sure thing to become a U.S. Senator from New York but is suddenly hit by revelation of a foolish act he once committed. He loses. But wait, the secret agents who decide one’s fate have been grooming him for a new climb to a higher office if only they can control his actions.

Meanwhile, David has met Elise Sellas (Blunt), a dancer, but for some reason if he gets together with her he will ruin both their lives. But he has fallen for her and is determined to pursue her, and most of the film is spent with the operatives trying to keep them apart. Fortunately one of the agents, played by Anthony Mackie, is sympathetic and rebellious, and he gives David a helping hand with advice and a magic hat. The film heats up to a mad chase with David trying to prevent Elise’s marriage to another.

The action involves all sorts of hocus pocus, like going through doors that magically lead to various places such as Yankee Stadium or a cavernous warehouse-type space.