MOVIE REVIEW - Source Code

Always good to get a new month started off on an good note. And Source Code is very good.

SC is a new action thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal that is so different and original that you can't help be compelled for the entire 100 minutes. Gyllenhaal stars as a military helicopter pilot who is chosen because of his unique abilities to be a part of a new method of fighting terrorism called The Source Code. What it is, is a computer program attached to the brain that can make the person, in essence travel back in time over and over again for 8 total minutes to try to prevent acts of terrorism.

After a horrible train bombing in Chicago, our hero is continually sent back to this same train before the bombing by the source code. There he tries to find out who the bomber is, and how he can hopefully prevent another bombing which is immanent in Chicago later that same day. On this train our hero meets Christina (Michelle Monaghan) and she is seemingly his key to the whole mystery. He falls for her, and even though this is only an illusion it is very real to him. And he is determained to save this train and her, both already destroyed. Sound complicated? It is but it is so much more.

Gyllenhaal delivers a real nice performance as Captain Colter Stevens and is very convincing as a reluctant hero. Monaghan isn't in nearly enough movies. I am a big, big fan of hers. She is very real on screen with her gentle way, her unmistakable charm, and her girl next door beauty. She is perfectly cast here, and gives SC a much needed diversion from it's "high techy" plot. She saves this movie from being nerdy and egg-headed. She was challenged to reconstruct the same scene over and over in this movie, and pulls it off wonderfully. She is the real star of this movie. Oscar nominated Vera Farmiga as the officer in charge of the Source Code program is also well cast and delivers, even in this very limited role.

Source Code is interesting, well paced, and exceedingly entertaining. Fine performances by all, with a fresh and intelligent plot. This is not your average "secret opps" movie. Very well done!