The Source Code

Strap on your time belts and get ready to go back in time, we're reviewing The Source Code!

I tried something new with this one. Hated it. Started over. Still don't like it.

For anyone who's already wondering if it lives up to Director Duncan Jones debut film, Moon, it does, and so much more. I would say this surpasses it in every category(except for the creepy robot voiced by Kevin Spacey category).

A mad bomber has taken out a train and has plans of another larger target. The only way to stop him is by sending Captain Colter Stevens(Jake Gyllenhaal) back in time within the body of a person who was on the train using...the source code. What exactly is the source code and how Colter Stevens fits into this is the mystery.

This is an amazing and thought provoking movie on so many levels. I saw a trailer for this saying it was more twisting than Inception and I instantly went, "OH REALLLLY." But seeing it, I have to agree. Inception was very linear and explained everything to you instantly. This lets you slowly discover how everything works and what's going on, and then it still leaves you guessing.

I, like most fans of Moon, saw the trailers and was worried that it would be too overly romantic. I'm relived to tell you it doesn't really focus on it too much(ok, yes, it does seem as though they fall in love rather quick, but A) he repeatedly only has 8 minutes to live, and she thinks she's talking to someone she's known for months, possibly years). I'm guessing they overhyped the romance to bring in the mainstream crowd. It was a mere afterthought, as was the plot of trying to find the mad bomber, compared to the real story of Colter trying to figure out what exactly is the source code and how he can use it to save everyone. They actually find the bomber earlier than expected(I can't speak for others as to how predictable it was, but I called it at first glance).

All the cast did a stand up job. The characters seemed realistic and everyone had their own unique voice. Even the bit players, the passengers on the train, were interesting and funny. Jake Gyllenhaal of course was perfect as a remorse soldier trying to figure out what's going on.

Jeffery Wright did a great job of being the cold and detail oriented Dr. Rutledge, and there was a surprising cameo by Scott Bakula!

The music was light and suspenseful. It wasn't overly stated, but it did it's job when it was supposed to. The effects of going back and forth in time from within the source code were nice and there were a handful of beautiful shots of downtown Chicago. I know you're not going to see a movie for nice city shots, but I don't know what else to talk about in this movie without ruining too much.

The Source Code deals with time travel, dreams and reality, alternate realities, fate, and perhaps even the afterlife. A lot of people didn't like the ending siting it as being too hollywood, but I loved it because it opened up so many more questions. It even makes some nice nods to Quantum Leap and Groundhog Day. It's a great sci-fi thriller that will get your brain juices flowing and I can't recommend it enough. A must see! So go see it!