Terrific sci-fi action flick that entertains throughout

Rating: Null/10 (24 September 2011)

In watching the Trailers and reading about Source Code, this is a movie that fulfils every expectations you have of it. It doesn't try to be something it isn't and it is very entertaining simply enough. Sometimes a film can misrepresent itself in trailers but Source Code is exactly what it explains to be and unfolds at breakneck speed and will not disappoint for even a moment. Even the ending, where they could have stumbled ends perfectly for anyone. The lead performance in the film is a Hollywood star and he carries the film flawlessly. The film adds action intrigue and a whole of thrilling elements to the story which is certainly science fiction but a good solid action movie as well. The story is interesting and full of plenty of twists. It reminded me a lot of perhaps a Phillip Dick story in the same vein as Paycheck, or Minority Report although maybe a little more mainstream and subtle than perhaps those were in the genre. This film was made to entertain and it does and it might not be an amazing piece of film making artistically it does what movies are meant to do and that is entertain.
I like Jake Gyllenhaal. He's the perfect Hollywood star. He has this intensity and he also has this 'guy next door' feel to him. He has done some really terrific roles and handles mainstream films like this easily because he is charismatic but his role in this film also requires some great intensity so as I mentioned he flawlessly and effortlessly carries this movie. Every time I see Michelle Monaghan in a film, I think the same thing. She's cute. She's always been decent in her roles but I've never seen anything she's done that really stands out and she is just cute. You want to pinch her cheeks and like Gyllenhaal she has a very 'next door' feel to her. Her and Gyllenhaal have good chemistry, it isn't mind blowing but it carries the film well enough. I do feel she could have been a little better in the role but she still does well. Vera Farmiga is good in a subtly intense role as the person directing Gyllenhaal to try and stop a disaster. She isn't right on the forefront but as a supporting character she is really good. Same could be said but on a small scale for supporting actors Jeffrey Wright, and Michael Arden who are good but don't really stand out in the film.
Oddly enough the director of this film bucks my usual theory of directors with very few credits to their name tend to ruin a good story. Duncan Jones has very little big screen credits to his name but that doesn't stop him from making a captivating story. I think he's probably lucky to get really good actors and a solid story. Not that he isn't good from his own talent, in fact there are some really well put together scenes especially when Gyllenhaal is back in the future and inside the machine that transports him. Source Code is the perfect Saturday night flick to watch. It will entertain, and get you excited and give you a good solid story and anyone can enjoy it. It's the type of sci-fi flick that doesn't cater to just those fans. Source Code will be enjoyed by anyone. I definitely recommend! 8/10
***Support your video stores!! Don't let them all close up***