The code is all that matters.
The Story:
Emerson Kent (John Cusack) is a black ops kind of guy who has a bit of a breakdown after his last assignment didn't go so well. He is reassigned to an outpost in England where he guards a Numbers Station. At this location, Katherine (Malin Ackerman), a code expert reads numbers over a shortwave radio broadcast. These numbers are used by agents throughout Europe to give them their next assignments. The code is of utmost importance, and in the event of its compromise, the broadcaster must be silenced. What will Emerson do when his station is overrun by enemy agents out to use the code for their own personal agenda?
You know how most movies say based or inspired by a true story?
This film is different, they basically say that Numbers Stations don't exist, except in the feverish minds of conspiracy theorists.
Awesome!
That's not to say that what unfolds isn't entirely plausible, and makes sense. Aside from face to face, what better way to transmit secret messages than a code over the airwaves that only those with code books will know what is being said?
Really, this movie works rather nicely in playing out the story through use of flashback to what happened to the team that work the odd shift opposite Emerson, as they piece together how the bad guys infiltrated the station and sent out their missions to the agents throughout Europe.
Now, it's up to Emerson and Katherine to send out a code to cancel the previous broadcasts if they can survive...and if Emerson doesn't just decide to kill Katherine first to ensure no further harm is committed.
The film does a decent job of keeping the tension ratcheted up considering the majority of the movie plays out in the underground bunker. No car chases through the city, just moving from room to room for safety.
Available to stream on Netflix as of this writing.
Final Grade: B
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: While I wouldn't rush out to buy this one, I could definitely play it again. Pretty good little film.
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