Source Code

A fine movie. Probably the best I've seen in a while. No razzle, dazzle CGI. Just "bang on" acting and an engaging story.

Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up disoriented and confused on a train inside the body of a man he does not know. After 8 minutes, he's caught in an explosion that sends him reeling back into another setting, one where he is locked in a cockpit-like capsule and the face of uniformed woman named Goodwin staring at him on a screen. As the movie progresses, we learn he's involved in a complicated government experiment to stop a terrorist from planting a bomb aboard a train. The bomb is part of a greater plot to cause a massive explosion that will wipe out most of downtown Chicago. Every time Colter fails, he has to relive those final eight minutes before the explosion. Except he is gathering clues each time until he can finally unravel the mystery of who the bomber is and prevent the incident. But there are two mysteries in this film. Who is Captain Colter Stevens and how did he unknowingly become involved in this government experiment to begin with?

This movie starts with a slow burn until it gradually draws you like in like a moth to a flame. Captain Colter Stevens is portrayed convincingly by the great Jake Gyllenhaal. He channels Donnie Darko territory with a complicated plot involving mind-bending time travel. He is again perfectly cast, playing the character with appropiate emotional depth and realistic action. Goodwin, played by Vera Farmiga of The Departed and Orphan fame, is a perfect counterpart to Gyllenhaal's Stevens. The interaction between the two is the rare blend of two actors who play off each other to mutual perfection.

In the second story arc, Gyllenhaal interacts with Michelle Monaghan, who plays an acquaintance on their daily train commute. Monaghan always brings an endearing, girl-next-door quality to her characters and she suitably plays the unfamiliar, unsure of Colter's sanity, Christina Warren, in a fine performance.

Not only is this movie a time travel, action, mystery but it also wanders into some dark territory, raising some ethical questions that left me feeling a little uncomfortable. Gylenhaal fittingly looks pale and drawn in some shots, which reflects the great direction by Duncan Jones, who also also brought us the marvellous astronaut mystery, Moon. The movie ends on a nearly perfect note, although it may have extended itself a little bit too long trying to wrap ends up. A minor quibble.

Source Code is one of the best movies so far this year. A near perfect sci-fi thriller with some fine aspects and great performances. I'll be watching it again very soon. 8.5/10