Source Code

This movie is like “Groundhog day” as a sci-fi mystery thriller. It also relates a little to “Vantage Point”, a movie that I like better. “Source Code” wasn’t bad but it wasn’t special. It has no lasting appeal. The acting and story was moderate. It was cool to see a movie set in Chicago because I have now been there but that was what I liked best about the film. The basic idea of “Source Code” had potential but greater anxiety could have been created in the story.

We are lost as to what is going on in the first few scenes as is Stevens and this is created so that we can bond with him but the exposition throughout the movie seems quite unentertaining. Other movies are written and directed so as to provide enjoyment during times of explanation but “Source Code” lacked in this aspect. Also, it would have been nice to show a little more background on Stevens. That creates a better connection in my opinion between protagonist and audience. In the first scene, I was looking for the bomber. I began to look for anything that seemed inconsequential. I suspected that Frost was the bomber from the start because the returning of his wallet by the teenager was portrayed too significantly the first time. By hiding the event a little bit more, the filmmakers could have made for a better surprise. Another thing that would have made the movie better was if Source Code allowed for a longer period of time than just 8 minutes. I understand the reasons for making Stevens’ time limited to just that but if that could not be changed, then the direction of the film could have made things more exciting. Everyone loves a countdown and films like “Back to the Future” and “Star Wars” used a countdown motif to create anxiety and excitement. “Source Code” had little excitement despite the countdown motifs throughout the story. I think the settings of the story being limited to the train and the air force base caused this lack of excitement. At least the rules concerning the Source Code are explained simply for the audience. I also liked how Stevens is trying to get the truth out of Goodwin and Rutledge at the same time he is trying to prevent the disaster. An enjoyable scene is where Stevens starts to predict things like the coffee spill, the phone call that Christina gets and the ticket attendant. It recalls the fun we had watching “Groundhog Day” and it reminds me of a scene from “Life is Beautiful”. The ending was nice but lacked complete resolution. As touching and hopeful as the ending is, I felt that it was a slight misuse of deux ex machina. The alternate reality that Stevens can now enjoy seemed to come out of nowhere. It was not alluded to but I guess that because Source Code is experimental, it justifies the sudden discovery or arrival of this alternate reality just a little bit. I still feel a little unsatisfied about the ending because has Stevens stolen someone else’s life? Also, the ending with Goodwin receiving the e-mail has us wondering whether Stevens has discovered time travel or whether this is just part of the new reality. I find that kind of ending lacking in resolution.

It was nice to see names such as cinematographer Don Burgess and Oscar-winning editor Paul Hirsch from “Star Wars”. I love how Scott Bakula from television’s “Quantum Leap” makes a vocal appearance also. “Source Code” however is not a special movie. It provides little entertainment. What good is a movie that you don’t have to watch over again or really want to? This movie had potential but it was not utilized to its fullest extent.

3 Stars