What I love most about about the 2011 sci-fi thriller “Source Code” is that there is no lead up at all to the excitement – seconds into the first scene and you are right beside Jake Gyllenhaal’s character amidst the chaos and action, competently captivated by what is going on. It’s an action movie that channels the greats of the 1990s.
“Source Code” takes a unique premise and setting, blends perfect special effects and outstanding performances by the two leads, and makes an intriguing action film that wins in presentation and delivery.
Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) shoots up from a nap in complete shock to find himself on a commuter rail bound for downtown Chicago, not piloting a helicopter in Afghanistan as was his most recent memory. Compounding his confusion is a woman seated across from him (Michelle Monaghan), a complete stranger to him who is conversing in a friendly way, at one point referring to him by a different name.
Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the better actors in Hollywood, and while not as popular as other leading men, shows his great talents in the dramatic, action packed, and often humorous role of Captain Colter Stevens. Gyllenhaal rose to stardom in popular movies such as “Donnie Darko,” “Jarhead,” and “Brokeback Mountain.” His performance in “Source Code” will send him to the top of your favorite actors list.
The story itself is riveting. Moments after Captain Stevens wakes up, the train explodes killing everyone on board. Captain Stevens is then shown in a military research facility, still horrified and unsure as to what is happening. While he continues struggling to discern the situation, a fellow military officer (Vera Farmiga) calmly explains the situation and asks politely “who bombed the train?”
The overly scientific explanation of the film is summed up nicely by military scientist Dr. Rutledge (Jeffrey Wright). “Source Code capitalizes on an overlap of time. It’s not time travel…its time reassignment.” For Captain Stevens, the mission is simple. He will be sent back to the train with an 8 minute window of locating the bomb and the bomber. The event will continue until he solves the puzzle.
Director Duncan Jones keeps the action flowing and the suspense strong. That the movie continues to show the same 8 minutes of time and maintain intrigue is a thing of beauty. Jones mixes the excitement of the scenes on board the train with the great character depth presented in the military lab on a perfect and well balanced rotation.
Opposite Gyllenhaal is Michelle Monaghan as Christina Warren, the perfect damsel in distress for an action movie. I’ve been mesmerized by Monaghan since seeing her in “Eagle Eye” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” and in “Source Code” she continues to dazzle.
Monaghan plays the role with effortless ease. Christina Warren is a typical thirty-something woman who happens to be cute, and not in an unrealistic sort of way. She’s at no point going to grab a machine gun and start firing – she’s perfectly okay with letting Captain Stevens do the dirty work. Monaghan has cemented herself in my list of top Hollywood crushes.
“Source Code” may have slipped past your movie radar but I recommend checking it out. It’s the type of film that never gets dull, and never gets too confusing with its inclusion of advanced physics.
The action and effects are great, and not overdone to the point of eye rolling. Gyllenhaal and Monaghan are well cast likable leads.
It’s a perfect summer style action film that will leave you entertained in a way that a movie is supposed to do.
by – Matt Christopher
