What do you get when you combine "Quantum Leap" with "Seven Days," and throw in a bit of "The Matrix"?
A surprisingly original techno thriller, actually! This is “Movie Night”!
*theme song plays*
Hello, and welcome to “Movie Night.” I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
On tonight's episode, we'll be reviewing the brand-new film, which was just released nationwide yesterday, "Source Code."
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Army veteran Captain Colter Stevens, who awakes after a massive explosion on a train...
to discover that he has actually been recruited by the US Government for a time travel-style mission: re-living the last eight minutes of someone else's life...
in hopes of finding the terrorist bomber responsible for his death and the explosion on the train.
Despite his Swiss-cheese memory and confusion over his whereabouts, Stevens must continually re-visit these traumatic eight minutes...
and attempt to piece together the puzzle before the terrorist strikes again in the real world.
Michelle Monaghan plays the lovely women opposite Stevens’s train-riding counterpart...
a character we only really get to see in small eight-minute bursts, but one whose charisma and personality quickly shines through.
Her relationship with Stevens, who is only inhabiting the body of someone else, is one that develops with just the right amount of charm...
and subtlety over the course of the 93-minute film. Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright play the government specialists in the real world...
who, besides providing the audience with nearly all of the exposition about the plot, also anchor the film with a much-needed sense...
of normalcy and an element of consequence to the bizarre "time-shifting" action we're witness to.
"Source Code" is a rare movie for Hollywood, as it is completely original in every way. Not a sequel or an adaptation or a reboot...
or even based off a book, it is just a brand-new thought-provoking story from writer Ben Ripley.
That's not to say, however, that this movie isn't familiar at times, with many elements feeling similar to "Seven Days"...
and "Quantum Leap," two sci-fi television shows from the 1990s that also featured time-traveling elements.
In fact, "Source Code" has an almost over-the-top homage to the classic sci-fi series "Quantum Leap"...
the first instance when Stevens first sees his counterpart's face in the mirror for the first time and does a double take...
and the second when the audience discovers the small voice-only role of Stevens’s father was provided by “Quantum Leap” star Scott Bakula himself.
For fans of time travel like myself, it was a nice touch. "Source Code" is aware of its predecessors, but it's careful to make its own name for itself.
On the technical side of things, the film opens with beautiful landscape shots of Chicago and its suburbs, and luckily...
the cinematography remains consistent throughout, going hand in hand with some excellent editing that never feels obtrusive or boring.
Gyllenhaal is excellent in the lead role, who is literally on screen in nearly every scene...
showcasing just the right amount of determination in the face of confusion for the audience to relate to his temporal escapades.
Coming off the success of 2009's "Moon," director Duncan Jones has crafted a refreshingly intelligent film, one that remains intriguing until the final scene.
Besides being slightly familiar, my only real complaint about "Source Code" is the uncharacteristic happy ending.
Departing from its serious and reflective tone in the final minutes to do a complete 180...
"Source Code" goes on to give the audience a feel-good ending that isn't actually that emotionally satisfying.
It's not disappointing, per se, but it's an unwelcome mood change to cap off an otherwise splendid feature.
"Source Code"- "Thought-provoking and truly original."
Well, that was my review. Now, let’s read some of yours.
Now, let's go ahead and rate "Source Code" on the Rate-o-Matic.
An “8” and an “8”! This film loses points for its weak ending, but definitely gains praise for its original plot and unique story. I thought it was “great.”
Obviously, this film is brand new, so not many of you had a chance to vote yet, but those who did really enjoyed the film.
But you agreed that the ending wasn't so awesome. You also scored it a “great.”
Only one review in today's episode, so now, let's take a look at what's currently playing in theaters, with some Tweet Critiques.
Remember, if you're going to the movies this weekend, make sure to submit your Twitter reviews, using the #JPMN hashtag, to have it featured on an upcoming episode.
Based on your suggestions from Facebook and Twitter, next week, we'll be reviewing video game movies...
the first of which is "Super Mario Brothers,” the original granddaddy of them all from 1993.
The second film is 2001's "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." As always, I encourage you to buy, rent, or download these films before next week's episode...
and then let me know what you think about them by voting in the polls below, or by leaving me a comment review.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula. Thank you for watching “Movie Night.” I hope to see you right back here next Friday!
*end credits play*
*Click on the season 9 clip show to see the lovely Esmeralda perform a seance with Harry Potter!*