Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Wilee, an adrenaline junkie of sorts that makes his living in Manhattan as a bicycle messenger. Riding on a bike with no brakes, he rushes from place to place delivering packages and dodging the hectic New York traffic. When a corrupt cop (Michael Shannon) becomes overly interested in getting an envelope Wilee is hired to deliver – he then has much more than traffic to worry about.
Directed and co-written by David Koepp (“Secret Window”) this fast paced thriller has enough potential to make for a decent filmgoing experience. The acting from the female leads, Dania Ramirez (“25th Hour”) and Jamie Chung (“The Hangover Part II”) was severely lacking, however. Aasif Mandvi (“The Dictator”) fits the description for fast paced dialogue enough to give migraines. Well cast, along with Ramirez and Chung – just not operational overall.
Not as much as Levitt and Shannon. They’re chemistry as enemies works well in order to give the film comedic relief as well as further tension. One of the most interesting things about the film is the fact that it shows what it is like to be a bicycle messenger in New York. They are interesting, chain wearing cyclists that are looked down upon and at the same time have one of the most dangerous jobs out there.
Most of the film’s comedic relief actually comes from a bike cop played by stunt man Christopher Place. Both Place and Levitt have a little sub plot type deal that brings to mind the Coyote and the Roadrunner. Interesting cinematography by Mitchell Amundsen (“Wanted”) captures the rapid bicycles gliding through cars in a variety of ways to keep the audience on their toes.
Some of the visual effects used in the film for fast and slow motion effects come off as a bit corny and unrealistic, but not enough to really earn a second thought. It’s definitely a film worth seeing in theaters – being a nail biting, fast paced, and fun movie carried by satisfying performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Shannon. The film also includes Lauren Ashley Carter (“The Woman”), Wolé Parks (“Taking Chance”), and Aaron Tveit (“Howl”).
‘Premium Rush’ opens today in theaters everywhere.
