100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 98: Premium Rush

Director: David Koepp

Genre: Thriller/ Action

Runtime: 91 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez, Michael Shannon, Wolé Parks, Jamie Chung, Aasif Mandvi

Description: In Manhattan, bike messenger Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop (Michael Shannon), who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.

Review: “Premium Rush” throws us viewers right in the middle of the busy New York traffic, in a rather original way. We are used to car chases, this time it all happens per bicycle. We follow bike messenger Wilee, who is the best in the field. He receives an envelope that has to be delivered to the other side of town. Soon he discovers it’s a pretty important package, because Wilee is in serious danger.

Director David Koepp had a plan in his head, which was very well executed. With a minimum use of computer animation, the spectacular bike rides through New York are a big adrenaline rush. Great camerawork, with shots from different points of view. Shots from the steer, wheel or an overall view of New York. With all this happening, you sometimes forget that there is also a story going on. That is pretty superficial, but a fun way to get to know a new subculture: the life of a bike messenger.

The use of the 3D New York map is pretty cool, but I especially liked the moments where Wilee is thinking over different options while being in a difficult situation. It reminded me of “Sherlock Holmes” where Robert Downey Jr. does a similar thing. Like I said before, the story isn’t all that deep. Some darker and emotional issues are added, but that wasn’t really necessary. You start to ask yourself several question, that you just really don’t want to ask. With that, the ending is a bit disappointing and the romantic storyline is not interesting enough.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a man that can easily carry a movie and Michael Shannon is very good as the villain. With their performances, the constant movement the movie is literally in and the excitement, “Premium Rush” is worth watching and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: 3/ 5