Review of Premium Rush (2012) by Nathan C — 03 Feb 2013

Coming in fast on a new pair of wheels, this is a rush of adrenaline that's loads of fun! It's a quick fix to alleviate the gritty, overserious generics of some action movies today.

A bike courier risks life and limb riding the streets of New York City to deliver packages to people. One day, he is asked to deliver something on a "premium rush" to a lady in Manhattan, but he is pursued by a crookedly psychotic cop on the way. Then, he begins to discover just what this package is and why he's being chased.

Delivers on the entertainment aspect by being both action-packed and funny, offering creatively devised and visceral action sequences and many humorous lines. Gordon-Levitt, as usual, is a daring yet charming leading man here. He's supported by a good supporting cast, notably Shannon's gleefully insane villian, Ramirez's fine romantic interest, and Chung's vulnerable yet pivotal character. Camerawork and music help out with the modern, urban feel. It's all thanks to the fact that there's more substance than would be expected for this type of film that it doesn't feel rushed. It even has enough room to weave a nonlinearly constructed storyline and some social commentary into the proceedings.

However, this flick is merely stalled by the sense that it cannot defy its archetypal nature. That it is merely just a chase movie, and nothing more. The cliched, formulaic story somewhat undoes the effect meant to conceal its flaws, which doesn't bode well for repeat viewings. Once the eye is set upon the prize, the final act tends to get repetitive and falls short of the solid mystery of the first two.

Overall, "Premium Rush" fulfills and satisfies, being an above-average rendition of average material. Once it goes (which is instantly), it never lets up and emerges as a wicked ride.