Source Code

Catharsis. Not only did Source Code cross into the realm of quantum physics and sociology, it entertained and surprised me. Classic thought transfer (hi to fellow SGU fans) doesn’t happen here in the way that most genre experts would think, but in a much more sophisticated and I dare say less researched way. Ingenious action sequences come fast and furious and the audience has no time for any sense of doubt to emerge. In fact, there is no need. It’s disappointing that the finale is rather lacking in ferocity, but things needed to slow down a bit because, even though I consider myself to be a sci-fi connoisseur, I had trouble keeping up. Gyllenhaal is awesome again (forget that hairy prince) and you’ll find it as easy to fall in love with Michelle Monaghan as our hero does. Duncan Jones steps on the gas and after the excellent Moon (and we find a reference to this) he continues up the stairway to perfection. Bacon’s background music is a real treat. (26/04/2011)

Source Code is a little big movie reminiscent of Donnie Darko, Proyas’ Knowing or The Adjustment Bureau, which was released at the same time. It is visually refined, with a playful, well-thought-out script, as well as emotional and witty. It’s great when a spring Hollywood genre movie that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is worms its way into your heart more than “big” winter Oscar dramas. That is exactly the case with Source Code. Jake Gyllenhaal is very good here. Ignore the cheap, forced epilogue. I’m sure it was a concession to the producers, who wanted a more uncomplicated happy ending than the real one, the only one possible, inevitably reached through tears. (08/05/2011)

In terms of direction, character work, and tension, the film runs like clockwork. All three main characters are written, cast, and performed in a way that evokes a sense of maximum viewer identification and sympathy. The film has high-quality visuals, camera work, and atmosphere, but the list of strengths suddenly ceases if you reflect on the screenplay. It departs from the field of science fiction, which plays in the style of "what if," but still adheres to a logical interpretation of the world, whereas in the case of Source Code, logic took a vacation. Here, the story is based on a logical short circuit, a nonsensical premise that filmmakers get away with simply because a significant portion of the audience has become accustomed to switching off their brains with the first shots of a film and enjoying the visual effects and action. Another problem is the traditional Hollywood happy ending. This film would be much more impactful if it ended with the sacrifice of the main hero and his voluntary demise in the capsule in the laboratory. Overall impression: 60%. (14/10/2013)

Once Duncan Jones masters the storytelling pace, he can be talked about as the new golden child of Hollywood. His films have a good concept, great actors, captivating atmosphere - and too long a duration. Fortunately, with Source Code, it is not such a problem as with the overstretched Moon, but still, I couldn't shake the feeling that by cutting about ten to fifteen minutes, it could have been the most tension-filled film of recent times. Nevertheless, thanks to the still very solidly paced plot, the chemistry of the main duo, and above all, the well-rounded ending with a twist - it is a cinema experience with an intensity that many action thrillers hopelessly lack. 75% (12/05/2011)

Why have I put off the day watching this movie so much? Really interesting subject matter and I have to say that Jake Gyllenhaal surprised me greatly with his performance. A sophisticated script and details that leave you spellbound. I'm giving 5 stars mainly because I'm so confused that as far as I know I could have been in the movie too. I must also point out the brilliant music, which went nicely hand in hand with the plot. The only thing missing was a more elaborate ending. (04/05/2011)