Source Code (2011)
Fun as long as you can turn off your brain.
Presentation:
A generic sci-fi blockbuster mystery. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a decently charismatic lead here, which is more relevant for these style of blockbuster flicks that rely on an emotional performance to carry its success. Although it’s quite formulaic in execution, the premise is actually quite novel which is adjacent to your typical sci-fi tropes involving time travel and simulations. They take this idea and try to make an action blockbuster out of it. The orange teal contrast is quite reminiscent of 2000s flicks like Transformers and Eagle Eye, though this one has an acceptable plot with a fun whodunnit.
Conclusion:
Has all the components of a safe script, but the premise and execution might be good enough to make you enjoy it as mindless entertainment anyway. Just don’t take it too seriously as a lot of things don’t actually make sense. Has the spiritual tone of those flicks like Jumper and Push.
Recommendations
Are time travel films from the past better?