Source Code (2011– 93 mins) J. Gyllenhaal, M. Monaghan, V. Farmiga

Source Code is another movie in a long line of movies I didn’t really want to see, and I didn’t want to like, but was actually pretty good. Looking at the trailer it looks to be a bit formulaic, long drawn out race against the clock conspiracy film. Instead sure it might be a bit formulaic but it’s not overly long, but the premise and execution is original and entertaining to watch.

Gyllenhaal is Colter Stevens, an ex-soldier who wakes up in an other person’s body, in an experimental program designed to re-live 8 mins of a past event over and over in order to figure out who bombed a train. Finding this out will help to thwart a subsequent bomb attempt in the middle of the city of Chicago. The whole idea of this reminded me of a action-y “Groundhog Day” and thus I wasn’t too keen on watching it. However, it was a bit of a requested movie for red box night at work and when you watch 12 movies a month from the box any new main stream movie is a bit inviting, so it was a choice. Yet, once the movie got going you realize it’s not just a movie about waking up day after day in the same hotel, it’s got a bit of depth to it.

Farmiga has quietly become one of my favorite female actresses out there right now. She’s got a subtle beauty and delivers lines with a way that is wispy, quiet and can bring mystery or sexiness about her in a way you are not sure which one she is trying to portray. Sounds odd, but watch this and “Up in the Air” and you will know what I mean.

Verdict–> I think this is a great movie for a weekend rental. It’s got some action smart writing and is only right around 90 mins. You could pair it with a 90 min rom-com for a perfect sat. night. Top level recommendation that I think you will enjoy.

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