Source Code (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  An interesting premise put together nicely by Duncan Jones (Moon). Thats two for two on his movies so far. And Jake Gyllenhaal was excellent, made me completely forget about Prince of Persia.

• paul s

  
  Alternate reality type films have always been an interest of mine, so this film is a natural for me. You have this Phillip K. Dick type story where via computer a man can access the collective last thoughts of a group of people. The setup is that an air force pilot is sent into the… More
  Alternate reality type films have always been an interest of mine, so this film is a natural for me. You have this Phillip K. Dick type story where via computer a man can access the collective last thoughts of a group of people. The setup is that an air force pilot is sent into the last 8 minutes of the collective thoughts of the passengers on a train who are eventually killed by a terrorist bomb. The pilot must hunt for clues to determine who set the bomb and why - as it is rumored that another bomb will be set off that will kill thousands. So you have a race against the clock - in both the real world, and the world that the pilot reinhabits. Along the way he (Jake Gyllenhaal by the way, who is pretty solid here) is drawn into conversation with the woman seated across from him - and is taken by her... even though she only exists in this 8 minute alternate reality... or is it? The grand thesis, and one I've often considered is that, like truth, reality is subjective. A person in a coma may be having a grand time, having created an alternate universe to exist in since he cannot function in the "real" one. The film is taught and fairly straight forward, though could use a bit more science in its approach (and I thought that the character of the scientist to be a bit wooden and at the same time over the top in his rather "mad scientist" routine). There are also moments where the film seems to disconnect from reality (whichever one you choose to be in at the time) - the people inhabiting the train often seem in stasis until Jake interacts with them - which would be correct in a computer generated model - but is a bit disconcerting and off putting nonetheless. The film doesn't have quite the impact or depth of Inception or The Matrix (both films exploring alternate realities), but is passing fair entertainment - held back only by its own premises - that what happens on the train doesn't matter, for it isn't real.

• Albert K

  
  "Source Code" is a very enjoyable movie that takes its turns in creative directions. This movie encourages the audience to ponder about what the next situation will turn out. Great and entertaining movie. Simply a popcorn thriller.

• Raymond W

  
  Plot holes can quickly be forgotten by Source Code's fast pace and slick style. Screenwriter Ben Ripley and director Duncan Jones do a great job here giving us an intriguing, complex storyline and Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga give powerful human… More
  Plot holes can quickly be forgotten by Source Code's fast pace and slick style. Screenwriter Ben Ripley and director Duncan Jones do a great job here giving us an intriguing, complex storyline and Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga give powerful human performances. I think Source Code may require more than one viewing to fully grasp the complicated science behind the plot but it's short, brisk runtime helps keep the film compact, and from going off topic which could have made it more complicated than necessary. Overall, Source Code is a mostly satisfying, well-acted, stylishly done science fiction thriller with an unusually complex and human story.

• Michael S

  
  "SOURCE CODE" is a phenomenal film. It's high concept sci-fi at it's finest and as of this review; far and away the best film I've seen in 2011. The film's two greatest achievements are the kaleidoscope of emotion it thrusts the viewer into and how… More
  "SOURCE CODE" is a phenomenal film. It's high concept sci-fi at it's finest and as of this review; far and away the best film I've seen in 2011. The film's two greatest achievements are the kaleidoscope of emotion it thrusts the viewer into and how multilayered and spiritually complex the film is right below the surface (of what appears to be an action-laden "Groundhog's Day"). That's not even mentioning the essential Jake Gyllenhaal performance that holds it all together, the terrific supporting cast, the naturalistic and pitch-perfect direction, the explosive action sequences, and the heart and humor that are so essential. There will definitely be back and forth between those in favor and not in favor of the conclusion, but I thought it was beautiful and hit all the right notes. This is a perfect filmgoing experience. "Source Code" is a film that I'm going to be thinking about for a long time and is worthy of nothing but the highest praise.

• danny d

  
  i absolutely loved everything about this film until the very end, when the whole thing fell a part for me. the explanations in the film of how the source code works were actually semi-convincing, and the stakes for the characters were sad but refreshingly sacrificial. all of this is… More
  i absolutely loved everything about this film until the very end, when the whole thing fell a part for me. the explanations in the film of how the source code works were actually semi-convincing, and the stakes for the characters were sad but refreshingly sacrificial. all of this is thrown out the window in the final minutes when we see that things arent what they seem, but in all the wrong ways. most movies should have happy endings, but this one was far too forced. other than the end, the film was tightly constructed, and its rare that a sci-fi film like this has such great human sub plots. good, but would have been great were it cut about 5 minutes short.

• Candy R

  
  If you liked Deja Vu or Timecop you will like this movie. A soldier wakes up in a strange capsule. He is part of a mission to stop a bomb on a commuter train. He is sent back in time in another man's body to discover clues and stop the bomber. Good cast.

• paul o

  
  An action packed step away from "Moon", Duncan Jones visualizes difficult material with the help Gyllenhaal and Farmiga. An entertaining view for people of all ages!

• Matt G

  
  'Source Code' is possibly the most bang-up science fiction film of the century. There isn't a dull juncture in this action packed extravaganza! I haven't seen a more intriguing film since Shutter Island. Tree have been quite a lot of comparisons to… More
  'Source Code' is possibly the most bang-up science fiction film of the century. There isn't a dull juncture in this action packed extravaganza! I haven't seen a more intriguing film since Shutter Island. Tree have been quite a lot of comparisons to 'Inception', including people distinguishing this as a "rip off" of it. I highly disagree with that false statement because one of the best aspects of this was how wholly original it was. This movie is full of great tilts, turn, and twists that you will never see coming. The acting is powerful, the story is mind bending, the romance is sizzling, and the action is breathtaking. This is by far one of the finest films of 2011 and one of the best movies I've ever seen. The characters are incredibly real and believable, making it comfortable getting to know during the course of the film. Jake Gyllenhaal is at his absolute best as the main character Captain Colter Stevens. Gyllenhaal gives an achingly real, emotional, and exquisite performance that is ultimately gripping with enough thrill to administer an effective character. Acclaimed director Duncan Jones, director of the critically successful 'Moon' proves that he is a director to track, which leads me to being esthetic as I wonder what his next project will be. Jones has a unique trait of authenticity that harbors his talented career which is exactly the type of delicacy handled with this film as he makes absolutely terrific shots and the delivery of his brilliant screenplay from the actors prove to be simply magnificent. Even though I have made it out to be a super-smashed action masterpiece, there are some moments of wit that I really appreciated. The most memorable and wittiest sequence of the film would have to be Jake's last eight minutes in the source code, in which he tells everyone to "be careful" (ie. the woman who always spills coffee on his shoe). The reason I found that so humorous was Jake's comfortability with these "people" who meant nothing to him until a few hours back, which was wonderfully done. I have one concrete complaint pertaining to this great film, and that is the fact that the running time was unbelievably short and I believe if the production crew decided to allow the film to be released with a bit more running time, it could have included more mystery and suspense, making it an even more mystery induced film than it already is. Having said that, this is a very complicated film to understand, but increases the replay value greatly (I've seen it 10+ times myself, and still find it wildly entertaining) and if 'X-Men: First Class' wasn't so damn fantastic, this would've been my number one favorite film of 2011. 'Source Code' is a film that breaks all the regular film rules that include countless cliches and produces something new and exciting that will be a delight to audiences around the world.

• Crash E

  
  interesting sci-fi movie, confused me during the sci-fi-action-romantic events, especially at the end of it a good concept to make a movie out of it,.. I like it

• Scott G

  
  complication, diversity, and action, the only three words I can associate with this film, Jake doesn't fail to impress, and leaves a impression, that this maybe the technology of the future? Damn well hope not, i'm not repeating past *experiences*

• Julie B

  
  This entertained me. It made my friends mad. So if you're fixin' for a fight, this might be a good one to watch in a group.

• Tony G

  
  Sci-fi films tend to use some fantastical scientific or technological device to either make a point about society while greatly entertaining audiences with "wow that's cool" possibilities. In the case of the fast paced and adrenalin-pumped "Source Code"… More
  Sci-fi films tend to use some fantastical scientific or technological device to either make a point about society while greatly entertaining audiences with "wow that's cool" possibilities. In the case of the fast paced and adrenalin-pumped "Source Code" filmmakers use an innovative premise - the ability of a User to experience the last eight minutes of a person's life within an alternate timeline to help avoid a catastrophic nuclear attack (the Source Code) - to make a comment about the human condition. Superbly directed by Duncan Jones, "Source Code" doesn't waste any time; the film immediately propels you into the action from its first few seconds where we meet Army Captain Colter Stephens occupying the body and mind of Sean Fentriss (played with splendid exasperation and urgency by Jake Gyllenhaal). We figure out his situation real time with him as he begins to leap in and out of the Source Code attempting to not only complete his mission and find the train's bomber but also reconcile what's happened with his life. "Source Code" does well with its potentially complex premise, Ben Ripley's screenplay sequences events in a way that doesn't rely on cheap twists. The only downfall is that other than Gyllenhaal's Stephens and Vera Farmiga's Colleen Goodwin, the rest of the characters are forgettably stock. The train's passengers are dull stereotypes that fail to make much of an impression. But overall "Source Code" is an intelligent sci-fi thriller that captivates without preaching; well worth watching on the edge of your seat.

• Michael E

  
  Source Code is what the film Inception should've been like. Rather than being basically a different version of the matrix like Inception, this film is actually very entertaining, the plot is fantastic, the action is good, the the characters are fleshed out and very well… More
  Source Code is what the film Inception should've been like. Rather than being basically a different version of the matrix like Inception, this film is actually very entertaining, the plot is fantastic, the action is good, the the characters are fleshed out and very well developed, Jake Glyenhaal does a fantastic job as the main character and is very likable and throughout the film you just want to know whats happening to him. Also the pace of the film is very good, the film is interesting and is very quick and though having a run time of 105 minutes, it really doesn't feel like it because of how entertaining it is.

• Dean !

  
  A good if far fetched idea, putting it lightly, handled very well in this sci-fi/action film. I thought there was going to be slightly more to it, and kept waiting for just a bit more to happen, without quite reaching my expectations. It's very similar in a lot of ways to Deja… More
  A good if far fetched idea, putting it lightly, handled very well in this sci-fi/action film. I thought there was going to be slightly more to it, and kept waiting for just a bit more to happen, without quite reaching my expectations. It's very similar in a lot of ways to Deja Vu. It has a good cast and the plot will keep you interested for the duration. Overall an entertaining film, but might not stand well with repeated viewings.

• Dean M

  
  Really interesting sci-fi-action-thriller film with an excellent execution. Combining elements of <i>Groundhog Dog, Deja Vu</i> and <i>Inception</i>, this ferociously inventive and critically acclaimed science fiction is one of the must-see movies of the year.… More
  Really interesting sci-fi-action-thriller film with an excellent execution. Combining elements of <i>Groundhog Dog, Deja Vu</i> and <i>Inception</i>, this ferociously inventive and critically acclaimed science fiction is one of the must-see movies of the year. A film like this could have suffered from being repetitive since Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens repeats the same 8 minutes over and over again, but each time is significantly different from the last so the film feels fresh throughout. The best thing about the movie though is the human story in it. It's really emotionally connecting especially around the end. Stevens was a very, very likable character who I wanted to succeed. The message is moving. The ending is fascinating. Gyllenhaal is in this movie for nearly every frame and he's great in every scene. This is one of his best performances to date and he's had a lot of good performances. Michelle Monaghan has this innocent charm with her character. Vera Farmiga and the very underrated Jeffrey Wright give very interesting and complex performances as well.

• familiar s

  
  Jake is evolving as an actor but this sci-fi lacked a captivating plot. Besides getting repetitive (which was indispensable & couldn't have been helped), the story neither entertained nor enlightened. By all fair means, for me, it's just an average movie.

• Unknown H

  
  A genuinely well thought out, intelligent and worthwhile piece of cinema that takes a premise we have skirted around the edges of and runs with it. The repetitive nature of this film made me think I was going to get bored, but with each new twist came a brand new turn. Gyllenhaal was… More
  A genuinely well thought out, intelligent and worthwhile piece of cinema that takes a premise we have skirted around the edges of and runs with it. The repetitive nature of this film made me think I was going to get bored, but with each new twist came a brand new turn. Gyllenhaal was appealing, which is something I never thought I would say and I must give kudos to Farmiga for one of her best roles yet. A brilliant movie.

• Lewis C

  
  Source Code is a very cool sci-fi action/drama from Duncan Jones. It's much faster-paced and less philosophical than his previous feature, Moon, and it's even more satisfying, in my opinion. The plot, which involves a man reliving the same 8 minutes before a terrorist… More
  Source Code is a very cool sci-fi action/drama from Duncan Jones. It's much faster-paced and less philosophical than his previous feature, Moon, and it's even more satisfying, in my opinion. The plot, which involves a man reliving the same 8 minutes before a terrorist attack over and over in order to find the person responsible for it, is intelligent without ever becoming hard to follow. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as a harried, confused man who eventually finds focus and purpose in what he's been tasked to do. You don't have to be a hardcore sci-fi fan to enjoy this, as it's grounded in the real world in a way that makes it very easily accessible. Source Code gets my full recommendation. It's an exciting, smart, original movie with heart.

• Alexander D

  
  Thrilling and complex, SOURCE CODE is a smooth combination of INCEPTION, FLIGHTPLAN, and GROUNDHOG DAY, with a slight romantic twist to it, as well. It could have been a lot longer, but that's not to say it was too short--excluding the credits, it ran for an hour and… More
  Thrilling and complex, SOURCE CODE is a smooth combination of INCEPTION, FLIGHTPLAN, and GROUNDHOG DAY, with a slight romantic twist to it, as well. It could have been a lot longer, but that's not to say it was too short--excluding the credits, it ran for an hour and twenty-seven minutes, which isn't too bad, especially since everything was explained well in just that amount of time. Sometimes, to look at the disappointing side, the film just seemed like a feature-length ad for multiple products, as from beginning to end, it appeared as if there were Dunkin' Donuts logos and Coca-Cola labels flying across the camera like a crazy GEICO commercial, but beyond that, this was a decent science fiction thriller with a nice, smooth, even plot (if complex), and an overall all right ending. I'd recommend it, because it's great like INCEPTION, because of the complex plot and the whole "second reality"-type thing (or simply "dreams" in INCEPTION, similarly); but unlike INCEPTION, it's less of a saga, and it's much easier to sit through.

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