http://www.innovativecommunications.tv A film about a bike messenger with a very important delivery doesn’t sound like the riveting stuff action flicks are made of. I’m Keith Kelly. Stick around, and you’ll find out why “Premium Rush” will surprise you as one of this summer’s better adventures.
I have to admit that “Premium Rush” wasn’t on my radar as a “Must-see” summer movie. The premise just didn’t scream “high concept” to me, and I probably would have passed on it were it not for the lead- Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is rapidly becoming one of my favorite young actors.
“Premium Rush” is a non-stop, balls-out adrenaline filled escapade that actually delivers on its promised excitement. It’s a fairly simple plot. Wilee is a super cyclist bike messenger who loves the thrill of zipping through crazy New York traffic because of the freedom and rush it provides. For less than a hundred bucks a day he routinely risks life and limb dodging cars, pedestrians, cabbies and all sorts of obstacles while on-route to his destinations. We find out he was “this close” to becoming a lawyer, but couldn’t see himself suited up and stuck in a courtroom-at least not at this point in his life. He accepts a simple premium rush delivery to Chinatown, which sets into motion-constant motion-a series of dangerously escalating situations.
Michael Shannon plays the bad guy who needs to get his hand on the envelope Wilee is attempting to deliver. His performance as a bad cop with a major gambling problem is a blast to watch. Shannon takes what easily could have been a two-dimensional character and creates a crazy, impulsively brutal, nasty man-who can also be damn funny in an over-the-top Joe Pesci kind of way.
There is constant action, witty dialogue, international intrigue and lots of nail-biting chases that have ever-increasing complications. Solidly directed by David Koepp, with relentless kinetic sequences and revealing flashbacks, this is a fun action piece that doesn’t have to resort to alien invasions or massive explosions. Keopp also shares with the audience an inventive look inside Wilee’s mind as he determines all the alternatives available to navigate through problem situations.
Jospeh Gordon-Levitt brings intensity, frustration and joy in his portrayal, and had to be totally exhausted by the end of the shoot. With 95% of the film involving Levitt racing his butt off through New York city traffic, this wirey actor wonderfully exemplifies someone who pushes through life without limits. Wilee literally races without brakes, because who needs to stop anyways? It’s the hesitations in life that will kill you-not the risks.
‘Premium Rush’ is a clever little movie that earns itself a “B+” score. I’m Keith Kelly.
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