Not just another political thriller

These are pessimistic times for films with a political message. “Source Code” solves this marketing problem by blunting the edges of both of its topical themes: terrorism and euthanasia. It deals with them gently, keeping the focus on protagonist Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), his emotional state and the more conventional thriller elements of its story. 

Luckily, it accomplishes these well. Colter, an army captain unknowingly recruited for a mind-bending mission, is a sympathetic protagonist. The story is compelling (if shaky in terms of sci-fi believability), and the visual style keeps it interesting to watch. What could have been a surprisingly pointed discussion of two hotly debated issues becomes more of a feel-good film than one would have thought possible given the premise.

Still, the pacing and characterization are performed skillfully enough to make the film highly satisfying to watch. As a thriller and as a politically reassuring comfort piece, “Source Code” succeeds at what it sets out to do.