Review of Premium Rush (2012) by Dawdlingpoet — 26 Nov 2021

This is a very fast paced movie, which uses different low camera angles to give you a good feel of how fast and frantic it must be working as a bicycle courier in such a busy and congested city as NYC. I noticed it seems the camera is constantly moving from one position to another, which could be potentially off putting for people who suffer from bad motion sickness perhaps?. I like the variety of camera angles used, ariel and otherwise as it makes it feel much more intense somehow, you can feel the frustration from drivers trying to avoid the different courier bikes while also trying to second guess their routes and what will happen. The music used is pretty upbeat, rock type tracks that adds further to the quick pace throughout. This a movie which requires you to keep your eyes glued to the screen throughout because some things happen very quickly, its a case of blink and you'll miss it. It has to be said that I felt a little uncomfortable with the idea that the transaction that went a bit awry (to put it one way) had links to Chinatown and thus, the racial or ethnic side to it, although the main villain isn't asian himself. There's also the macho side to it, with Wilee's competitor trying to prove he's a bigger man (linked to a love interest) and the two of them trying to outdo each other (I wouldn't like to say much more obviously, I try not to give too much of the plot away). I'd say that in terms of other similar fast paced movies, this is perhaps comparable to The Transporter, only this is (obviously) bike based (as it were) - perhaps you could also compare it to the Fast and the Furious movies, although I've only seen one of those. Also, as in that movie, there are some instances of strong language which may offend some. Violence is fairly brief and not especially bloody (there is a bit but not very much, certainly compared to other modern action movies - I'd say this is fine for older children, young teenagers to watch and indeed it carries a 12 rating to reflect this) and otherwise there isn't much to offend, that I can think of.

The story is fairly basic and probably not entirely original but its certainly entertaining and suspenseful, so I was glad I watched it. Its predictable but it delivers what you expect from the basic premise. Its a pretty short movie, duration wise, as well, lasting only approximately an hour and twenty minutes but that time did seem to pass really surprisingly quickly, which says something for how absorbed I was by it. Probably the most well known cast member is Joseph Gordon Levitt, who is probably better known nowadays for his appearance in the (perhaps more mature) recent movie Inception and in this movie he gives a decent performance playing a very focussed and determined, not to mention nimble character.

Yes I would recommend this movie as for an action movie, I felt it delivered well, providing plenty of edge of your seat type moments and being quite suspenseful - it is rather 'short and sweet' at an hour and twenty minutes long but its a decent enough watch. The only real criticisms I'd have is that there are one or two aspects which are a bit formulaic or predictable perhaps (like the almost inevitable romantic element and a racial element) but overall the movie is quite watchable and enjoyable, with some impressive camera angles used.