Rating: PG-13
Starring:
Jake Gyllenhaal as Colter Stevens
Michelle Monaghan as Christina
Vera Farmiga as Carol Goodwin
Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Ruttledge
Russell Peters as Max Denoff
Michael Arden as Derek Frost
James A. Woods
Cas Anvar as Hazmi
Joe Cobden as Lab Technician
Nick Ferrin as Pedestrian
Gordon Masten as Conductor
Neil Napier as MP Officer
Susan Bain as Nurse
Brent Skagford as John Troxel
Directed by Duncan Jones
Special Features:
Audio Commentary
Cast Insights
Focal Points
“Did You Know” Trivia Track
Other Info:
Widescreen (1.78:1)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Spanish Language
Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 94 Minutes
The Details:
The following is the official description of the film:
“A helicopter pilot (Gyllenhaal) recruited for a top-secret military operation finds himself on a startlingly different kind of mission in Source Code, a smart, fast-paced action thriller that challenges our assumptions about time and space. Filled with mind-boggling twists and heart-pounding suspense, Source Code is directed by Duncan Jones (Moon).”
“Source Code” is rated PG-13 for some violence including disturbing images, and for language.
Mini-Review:
I’ve heard “Source Code” compared to “Groundhog Day” since the lead character relives the same 8 minutes over and over again, but there are other films you can compare it to as well. It’s similar to “12 Monkeys” in that Colter is sent from the future to prevent a terrorist act. It’s similar to “Quantum Leap” in that he appears in someone else’s body in order to find out what happened and possibly change history. It’s similar to other films, too, but I won’t say which because it might ruin the movie. But despite the fact that it draws upon so many familiar sources, it’s still fun and engaging because of the mystery surrounding the story. How did Colton end up in someone else’s body? Why is he reliving the same moments over and over? And most importantly, who is the bad guy? Finding out the answers to those questions makes “Source Code” a ride worth experiencing.
As I write this review I realize how little I can say about it without spoiling it. What I can say is that the cast is great. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the everyman as Colter Stevens, the man doing his best to solve the mystery of the bombing while also trying to figure out what’s going on with him jumping back and forth in time. Michelle Monaghan is also good as the everywoman as Christina. She provides a bit of a love interest for Colter while acting out the same scene again and again and again. Then there’s Vera Farmiga as Carol Goodwin, Colter’s handler. It’s interesting to see her torn between her duty of keeping Colter on task while simultaneously sympathizing with him. Rounding out the cast is Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Ruttledge, the ‘mad scientist’ of the bunch. He’s good in every role he’s in and it’s no different here.
If you like mysteries or time travel stories, then I think you’ll enjoy “Source Code.” Fans of Gyllenhaal, Monaghan, and director Duncan Jones will want to check it out, too.
You’ll find a good selection of bonus features on this DVD. Besides a commentary and trivia track, you’ll find about 35 minutes of featurettes. They cover the lead actors, the director, the train set, and other aspects of the film. The “Focal Points” featurettes also appear to have come off of the movie website or something. They are very brief videos on various scientific things that happen in the film.
