'Source Code' Thrills, but Leaves Something to Be Desired

It's rare for a movie to be completely absorbing as soon as it starts but "Source Code" succeeds where many try and fail. It wastes no time in getting right down to the action and is legitimately fascinating.

As the plot unfolds, we learn more and more about why Colter Stevens, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, keeps waking up on a commuter train to relive eight minutes before a bomb goes off. His mission is to find the bomb and the bomber to prevent another bombing in downtown Chicago. From the what to the who to the why, the answers are revealed to us as the clock ticks on. Though you can't help but to think of "Groundhog Day" as he keeps reliving the time in source code, the unique concept is definitely refreshing.

On a level above the explosions and predictable, but excellent, twists, the film was also a commentary on our ethical limits as it pertains to national security. It is an interesting take on how far we are willing to go to protect American lives. Without giving anything away, it definitely will leave you wondering what side of the fence you would be on if the power was in your hands.

The biggest misstep of the movie was the forced love story between Gyllenhaal and train passenger Christina (Michelle Monaghan). Aside from having absolutely no chemistry, it felt less plausible than the idea that a computer program could enable someone to enter the consciousness of a deceased person. And the attempt to wrap up the end with a nice romantic bow made it feel like a completely different movie than it started.

While the movie didn't lack heart, the emotion was misplaced. Gyllenhaal had a much more legitimate emotional connection with Officer Goodwin, played by Vera Farmiga. So much so that it was confusing why this wasn't the romantic focus of the movie.

But since the misguided romance only peppers the pulse-pounding action, it's forgivable. Much more central to the plot of the movie is the concept that sustains it and it is not without its flaws. While we can suspend disbelief for a good sci-fi flick, the end is a little more convoluted than it builds itself up to be and it makes you question whether or not the film makers violated their own logic.

Despite its pitfalls, it has most contemporary action films beat by a mile. It thrills without compromising intelligence, which is a rarity for the genre.