Writer/Director: David Koepp
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez and Michael Shannon
‘Brilliant Bicycling Thriller’
“Premium Rush” is written and directed by David Koepp. Its screenplay is also written by John Kamps. This film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez, Michael Shannon, Jamie Chung, and Aasif Mandvi. Its plot follows a Manhattan bike messenger named Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who picks up envelopes and delivers them. When an envelope attracts the attention of a dirty cop (Michael Shannon), Wilee is pursued throughout the city.
This is a well-executed movie that works because of great performances, engaging stunt sequences, and pitch-perfect pacing. David Koepp directs it using engaging cinematography and effective stunt work. Mitchell Amundsen’s cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the intense and dangerous work of bike messengers. It isn’t easy to do justice to stunt sequences, yet this movie pulls of that aspect with ease. The stunt work is admirable, even impressive. Every time there’s a sequence involving stunt work, it is likely to give the viewer an adrenaline rush. Pacing a film is a hard job, because one has to keep it entertaining and engaging. However, this film has pitch-perfect pacing that tremendously enhances the story to higher levels.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a top-notch performance as a man with no rules. Levitt shines in every scene and brings likable charisma to his character. He’s amazing; one of the many reasons to see this film. Michael Shannon is incredible as a dirty cop. Shannon has immense screen presence and a searing intensity to his character. He’s one of the best actors working today and this movie proves it more than anything else. The rest of the cast including Dania Ramirez and Jamie Chung does a fine job in their roles.
This movie is in conclusion a fun thrill ride from start to finish. Its screenplay is missing depth, and the ending is formulaic, but this is still recommended for people looking to pass time.
3.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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