by Lorie Lewis Ham

Special coupon for Dinuba Platinum Theatre at the end of this review.

When I first saw the previews for the movie Source Code the plot made me think of one of my favorite TV shows from the 80’s and 90’s, Quantum Leap, and right then I decided that I wanted to see it.

If like me you are a fan of Quantum Leap you will love the similarities in Source Code as the main character, Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), does “leap” into someone else’s body to try and help prevent a tragedy. A terrorist has planted a bomb on a commuter train in Chicago. However in this movie Stevens only has 8 minutes to find out where the bomb is and who put it there. Each time the 8 minutes is up he is again blown up in the train and has to start over—but each time he learns a little more. Of course even segments of 8 minutes add up and over time he falls for a beautiful fellow passenger, Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan).

To tell you much more about this movie would give too much away and spoil it for you. I can tell you it is full of action and suspense and keeps you guessing all the way through as we learn things as Stevens does. It has a complicated and clever plot and as a Sci-Fi lover I enjoyed it very much. And for a change this is one my son and daughter both enjoyed.

For the Quantum Leap fan in me there was an added bonus. Director Duncan Jones also noticed the similarities when he first read the script and added a lovely bit of homage to the show by getting Quantum Leap star Scott Bakula to be the voice of Colter’s father on the phone! I have to say this made me love the movie even more and I’ll be in line to get my copy when it comes out on DVD. Scott Bakula even says “Oh boy”, in the middle of the conversation–something his character said every episode.

So if you enjoy Sci-fi, you will enjoy this movie whether you have ever seen Quantum Leap or not. Perhaps after the movie you’ll pick up some DVD’s of the show and check it out too.

Rated PG-13 for some violence including disturbing images, and for language

Source Code is now playing at Dinuba Platinum Theatres 6. Showtimes can be found on their website.

Print this coupon and enjoy a special discount for Kings River Life readers only!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.