Even the
uncharismatic Joseph Gordon Levitt, with the constantly sullen look on his
face, can be infused with a hint of excitement as he rides through streets and
races past cars in Premium Rush. Considering that both of the film’s main actors,
the other being Michael Shannon (playing a maniacal degenerate gambler with a
badge), are at risk of being typecast, it is safe to say that the bike is the
unique selling proposition of David Koepp’s new film. It’s just what gives JGL the
never-say-die attitude he lacks.
JGL plays Wilee,
a bike messenger who loves his job too much to want to clear a pending bar
exam. He ups the risk factor by riding with dysfunctional brakes and without
gears. Further elevating this risk is an envelope handed to him by a young woman.
As it turns out, the envelope contains something of infinite value to a crazy
cop. “The rules are,” Wilee explains, “once you put it in the bag, it stays
there until delivered.” Buckle up, viewer.
The chases in
Premium Rush come together as a long music video intercepted by dialogue
breaks. You won’t care about the envelope or the story behind the chases. You
just want to see JGL on his bike. There’re only a handful of people in this
film and in spite of being a sucker for characters, I was satisfied with looking at similar looking visuals of people on bikes played repeatedly, connected
together in a narrative fashion. I warmed up well to the funny way the film
cuts between sequences and its charming use of music. Premium Rush is fun to be part of as long as
it lasts.
Rating- 7/10.
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