Premium Rush Review

     Car chases, motorcycle chases, helicopter chases, and street chases. All have become mainstay in cinema, with car chases being an action movie staple. However, Premium Rush boldly goes where no film has gone before, bicycle chases. The film pushes a feel of constant forward motion, but can a bicycle chase capture the same intensity as the staple car chase in a film that relies so much on the two-wheeled frame? Find out after the jump.
     Premium Rush is the story of Wilee, a bike messenger who lives life with no brakes, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Towards the end of a long day, he takes a rather suspicious package to deliver, and is told it is absolutely imperative. As it becomes clear the package is being sought after by some rather suspect people, Wilee finds himself in a wild cat and mouse chase across a fast paced NYC backdrop.
     As far as depth, I'll just be outright about it. Premium Rush is not anything profound or epiphany-ensuing, but it doesn't attempt to deliver anything of the sort. The film knows exactly what it is, and is aptly named. It's all about the chase, the action, and the adrenaline. In this vein, Premium Rush excels, it is fast paced and exciting, boasting brilliant and engaging chases, that are rather refreshing, as they take place on two wheels instead of the regular four. The film is in a constant state of forward movement, and doesn't take much time to slow down and think.
     This largely benefits Premium Rush, as it highlights the best parts of the film. The dialogue and story are nowhere near the caliber of action sequences, but going into a film entitled Premium Rush you aren't likely expecting an in depth, Oscar worthy character study. Yes, the dialogue can be cheesy and at its best campy, but it doesn't take away too much from overall feel of the film, as it is obviously not the focal point. Wilee's anticipatory thoughts make for some rather fun visuals and the movie looks fairly good.
     Joseph Gordon Levitt is great in the role, and it's easy to root for him despite a somewhat lacking plot. He is believably athletic as well (his lanky frame and beat-up bike work well in conjunction) and makes the action sequences fun to watch as he maneuvers his way through hectic New York City traffic, where bike messengers often clash with cut-throat NYC taxi drivers. 
     Dania Ramirez is also in the film as the on again off again love interest of Wilee, and while her character tries to carry weight in the plot, she, and the love story seems a bit forced. It is tough to see her as more than a pretty face, but thankfully the character doesn't stoop to the level of damsel in distress. And finally Michael Shannon plays the shady nemesis of our tandem-travelling hero. He is believable in the role, but largely to his character's stereotypical nature. Shannon's character is a rather formulaic villain, but for the sake of the film it works. He does seem to oddly switch accents in the film, but it was more fun to follow than it was a distraction.
     All in all, Premium Rush is enjoyable, an action film with a fun hero much in the vein of films like The Transporter. It is however quite refreshing and surprisingly effecting watching the action take place on bicycles. Premium Rush redefines 'pedal to the medal', and while not profound in any sense of the word, it's a fun action film that does enough right to make for an enjoyable adrenaline-infused watch.