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Review of "Source Code"
By: David Raymond

US Theatrical Release Date: Apr 1, 2011
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Arden, Vera Farmiga
Directed By: Duncan Jones
Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Review Rating: 8/10

Inception + the Matrix + Groundhog Day is how I explained this movie to my wife right before we saw it. Now while this is a fairly accurate description of how the movie is put together it is not a comedy in any sense. Using advanced technology the American government is able to transport a consciousness into the diminishing afterglow of brain waves after someone is dead. In this case it is placing a helicopter pilot into the passenger of a train right before a bomb goes off. The afterglow lasts only 8 minutes so the pilot must relive them over and over again while collecting more information about the bomb and bomber. Now here is where the Matrix comes into play. Each time he relives those 8 minutes he does something different and the passengers react differently each time. An explanation is never given as to how this happens but it proves to be entertaining.

This is not a action flick, even though there is some violence. He is a helicopter pilot and not Rambo. He does have military training and uses it to his advantage. This genre of movie is difficult to explain. It is a mystery/action/sci-fi movie that is not too deep to confuse the masses but is just enough to keep people like you and me engaged.

Jake Gyllenhaal did a good job of portraying Lt. Colter Stevens and had convincing chemistry with Michelle Monaghan even though I felt their relationship was rather rushed. But what do you expect when you only have 8 minutes to live? The effects were nice and the explosion, while seen over and over again, oddly did not get repetitive or boring. No part of this movie was repetitive and it left me in a good mood at the end. Highly recommended for viewing, maybe not for purchase at full price.

http://www.enterthesourcecode.com/