Source Code

Who knew watching 8 minutes over and over again could be this good? Source Code was a surprising escape from reality as long as you don't need to break all the science down. As basic as the idea was for this movie, the characters and a few "mini stories" all rolled into the main plot really made this movie good.
Ever see the TV show Quantum Leap? Mix that with the idea of Groundhog Day then just toss in some action and a little Russell Peters and you're set.

 
Basic Plot:
Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) wakes up to find himself on a train heading into Chicago. Although the other passengers all seem to know him, he has absolutely no idea where or who he is. Before he can do anything a bomb explodes, seemingly killing Colter and all the other passengers. He learns he's part of an operation called "Beleaguered Castle," and figures he's in some kind of simulation exercise, with his task being to find the bomber on board the train before it goes off again. Going through the explosion over and over, Colter must uncover the identity of the bomber, while also figuring out what the "Beleaguered Castle" is. Colter uses the second chance opportunity to try and save everyone he can (even though he is told its impossible), and to find romance with a fellow passenger on the train.

 Thumbs Up:

• I love me a good time travel movie. One that actually "makes sense" and isn't too far out there.
• Plot was pretty solid and I liked that most of the main characters also had their own mini drama happening.
• They actually try and explain how all this hocus-pocus works instead of just telling the viewer to go with it.
• Acting was pretty solid from the main actors. The rest of the cast had a very limited windows to act.
• A few good plot twists and a interesting ending kept me going.
• The Director of Moon. A favorite of mine.
• Russell Peters is along for the ride....Really.

Thumbs Down:

• At 1 hour 34 minutes it's a bit shorter then how I like my movies.
• There are a few minor plot holes throughout the movie.
• Michelle Monaghan really doesn't do much in the film at all.
• The idea that he falls in love with some random girl on the train only knowing her for a few 8 minute moments was kinda silly.
• What happens to the other hero of the movie, Goodwin makes it all possible.

 Source Code was a great escape into a sci-fi/time-travel/thriller that does a pretty good job of keeping you in your seat. The main characters were pretty solid, the plot line was never dull and there was just enough action to smile about. If you need to know how this source code business works right down to the nuts and bolts and are hard up to nit-pick every plot hole then maybe stay at home with your comic books and Wonder Woman "action figure" because someone gonna get a hurt real bad.

4 - Stars