👍79%

1st Watch | 2011 Ranked

Week 4 Theme: Time Travel (details below)

Source Code is the fourth installment of the 52 Weeks challenge. For more information, go to the bottom of this review, where I will reveal details about this challenge.

Groundhog Day was a genius movie. In fact, it was so well executed and full of potential, it created its own genre. For years to come, many films would adopt a similar style to Groundhog Day. Some of these films are forgettable and uninventive. However, there are others that succeed. Not only does Source Code successfully achieve the "Groundhog Day" effect, but it also found a way to expand on the genre.

The biggest strength of Source Code is the story itself. Every aspect of the film revolves around the story and how it resembles Groundhog Day. This approach can be very risky because if the story is not good, then the entire film would become significantly worse. However, as I've said many times before, it was inspired by Groundhog Day. That type of story is very efficient and even if there are flaws, the concept itself is interesting and keeps viewers engaged.

However, Source Code was more than just the concept. It was actually a well-written story. There is the story about someone trying to find the bomber of a train, but there are many subplots that create complexity. In addition, there are many literary devices that make the film better. For example, Source Code utilizes a lot of red herrings to keep the audience guessing. Essentially, the audience is put into Steven's shoes. We follow the story in his eyes. We learn the information in his eyes. The result is an incredibly immersing film that paces itself phenomenally.

Another highlight of Source Code is the cinematography. There are incredible shots scattered all throughout the film that scream "beauty!" The opening sequence is a perfect showcase of not just beautiful, but meaningful cinematography. The first two minutes of the film were only the opening credits accompanied with some shots of daylight Chicago. However, these shots were stunning and marvelous, but most importantly grand. Combined with the mesmerizing music, Source Code set the tone for the rest of the film. However, by the end of the movie, I realized the opening had an entire different film. Without going into spoilers, Source Code had a major theme about how beautiful the world is. By showing the wonderful shots of Chicago to open the film, we are shown how much beauty there is in the world. If you've seen the movie, you will understand why this is significant.

Source Code was good from a technical standpoint as well. The score was great. The VFX wasn't as good as I would have hoped, but it was still acceptable. The editing was fantastic. However, one could argue the quality of the production because of the budget of the film. But I guess that's what happens when you have a blockbuster starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Earlier, I mentioned complexity. That is what Source Code brings to the table. This complexity is mainly driven by the major themes of the story. Among these themes includes the regretful father-son relationship that couldn't get amended. Anybody could relate to this. People who have healthy relationships can relate because they understand the love that a father-son relationship brings. People who don't have a healthy relationship with their father can relate because they (hopefully) acknowledge that their lives would be better if they loved their father. However, this can also extend to other regretful relationships. For example, maybe you had a regretful relationship with your mother. Source Code is a film that deals with these types of relationships and is a film that explores how what people do (not interacting with your parents or son(s)/daughter(s)) doesn't truly express what they believe (Stevens and his dad loved each other)). Because this film is so relatable, the audience can sympathize with Stevens, which makes the film more emotionally gripping as a whole.

Another theme is how the world is a wonderful place. I already mentioned this earlier when talking about the opening of the film, however, it deserves more analysis.

⚠️ The Next Paragraph Will Have Major Spoilers. ⚠️ Skip the next paragraph to avoid these spoilers.
You have been warned

The theme about a wonderful world takes center stage at the climax of the film. The protagonist is sent back into the Source Code one last time to try to stop the bomb from going off as a whole and saving the train. Due to expectations, the audience believed that there would be a massive showdown, but the climax was surprisingly underwhelming. Instead, the story had a greater emphasis on what occurred after the bomber was caught. Stevens was making people happy and causing people to laugh (due to making the grouchy comedian perform comedy). His actions made the entire train smile. He finally talked to his dad, and even though he couldn't say that it was him, he still got the happy closure he (and his father needed). Then, he kissed his crush (again) on the train. Everything was happy. Many stories focus strictly on the protagonist's story of destroying the antagonist. However, many stories fall short in showing what happens next. What happens when the villain is defeated? Source Code answers that question. You have paradise. The world is a beautiful place. Therefore, the film suggests that we need to take advantage of our blessed selves.

⚠️ The Major Spoilers Have Ended ⚠️

Sure. I've said nothing but good things about Source Code so far, but I wouldn't call it a perfect movie. The acting was okay at best. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything I would praise. In addition, the story wasn't that ambitious because it was heavily inspired by Groundhog Day. It was a very safe option for a story, meaning that it wasn't as shocking. It was sort of hard to truly mess up with this budget and premise. It's a very consistent genre. Less risk generally means less appreciation when it comes to filmmaking in my eye.

However, I do agree that Source Code went above my expectations. So far, it is among the best of the Groundhog Day genre. I don't truly have any striking criticisms. Just by looking at the rating distribution, you can already get a sense for the movie. It doesn't have any bad qualities, but it's hard to distinguish yourself when you belong to such a specific (but popular) genre of film.

In summary, Source Code is a fantastic film that features a great story filled with complex themes. This is more than just an action story. It's a story about trying to amend a poor relationship involving a son and father. It's a story highlighting the value of life and the destruction of chaos and destruction. Despite these subject matters, Source Code still found a way to remain positive and uplifting by the end. I would definitely recommend it.

52 Weeks Challenge: Here

What is the 52 Weeks Challenge? It is a challenge where each week, I will be given a theme, and I will have to watch a movie I haven't seen before which fits the theme. There is more information on the list linked above.

I AM NOT ALONE!

These are the other participants of this year-long challenge:

- Vetni
- Nightwing04
- Antoine Cournoyer
- MrPPeeps
- Spencer
- Archie_it
- Filip
- harry
- C. J.
- Danny D
- CrazyRaccoon
- Jack
- Dbyleo
- Kevin Hall
- James

"Source Code is not time travel. Rather, Source Code is time re-assignment. It gives us access to a parallel reality."

⬅ Previous Review (Feature Film): Heat
⬅ Previous Review (Documentary): Plot To Overturn the Election