Premium Rush Review

Premium Rush is a straightforward action movie that delivers on the goods and knows exactly what kind of movie it is. It won't be remembered as a classic action movie, or even as a very good one. However, for a movie dumped out in late August, it is a lot of fun.

When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I thought it would be completely ridiculous and forgettable. I remember laughing at how absurd one particular bicycle stunt seemed. In the context of the film, the chase scenes seem much more plausible.

Premium Rush tells the exciting story of New York City bicycle messenger Wilee, who is relentlessly pursued by a crooked cop bent on obtaining an envelope in Wilee's possession. Wilee, who has been instructed to deliver this seemingly ordinary envelope, soon realizes that its value is far greater than he could have imagined.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50, The Dark Knight Rises) gives Wilee charm, wit and cynicism. This seems appropriate because of the adrenaline seeking nature of this character. Wilee's sarcastic remarks provide the movie with some comedic moments that heightened my enjoyment of the film.

The great character actor, Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, Take Shelter), plays a dirty cop named Bobby Monday. Shannon's performance is larger the life and over the top, yet I would hesistate to call it bad. Shannon is simply having a blast playing this character and understands that this movie is not meant to be taken very seriously. Shannon has consistently played compelling and twisted characters struggling with their demons and he is as entertaining as ever in this movie. 

One of the main reasons that Premium Rush works is that the action scenes are always gripping. These chase sequences feature very little shaky camerawork and are easy to follow, unlike many action scenes nowadays. Despite working with a fairly low budget, the filmmakers do a tremendous job of making the traffic in the city feel alive and dangerous.

Premium Rush will entertain casual moviegoers and hardcore action movie fans alike. This movie may not be a masterpiece, but it is worth a look for its tense chase sequences and hilarious Michael Shannon freak-out scenes.