Box Office Review - Source Code

Much like director Duncan Jones' 2009 film Moon, Source Code has been called a complex movie. Just like Moon, calling Source Code a complex film is a bit off base. Source Code is a well directed, well acted, well laid out film that if you pay attention to, is rather easy to understand. In fact, the simplicity of Source Code is what I find most appealing about it. Rather than wasting time explaining some complex science, Jones spends his time establishing the characters of the film as people we can care about. This approach, makes Source Code, a film that could have easily been buried under its high concept, a joy to experience.

The casting for a film like this is very important, fortunately it is cast perfectly. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Colter Stevens, the main character of the story. Gyllenhaal makes Stevens likeable, easy to sympathize with, and funny. Matching him with the very likeable Michelle Monaghan, who plays Christina Warren, helps get the audience to root for the two characters. Even without much development, Monaghan makes Christina an interesting character. Rounding out the rest of the major cast is Vera Farmiga as Colleen Goodwin, and Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Ruteledge. Both give solid performances.

As you may have noticed (I am sure you didn't), I did not mention what the film is about. I guarantee, the less you know about the film, the better the experience will be. There is a good chance you haven't seen any TV spots for this (unlike Insidious), so avoid the trailer and just see the film. It is an exceptional movie that offers some very enjoyable thrills. I hope that Duncan Jones continues on his path of greatness.

A Gold Banana