Premium Rush

Cyclo-fascist Levitt versus informer Shannon in Grand Theft Bike full of limits (time, space and unfortunately also narrative). The wheels fall off at the end, because humane Chinese oil from children doesn't work right now, but it's still enough to have some great fun. It is too bad that the initial euphoria will pass relatively quickly, leaving mainly the first-class ascents of Shannon and his psychopathic mental derailleurs. (12/30/2013)

A brisk, simple, and a hell of a thrilling and entertaining action spectacle, and I will definitely see it more than once. The protagonist's bike has no brakes and the movie about him likewise. Wonderfully shot scenes, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who I didn't dislike, and Michael Shannon as the uncontrollable villain all made for a more than good experience, but I honestly almost didn't have time to focus on the other characters as Premium Rush kept speeding forward. The second, third or fourth time I see I'll catch everything. And I'm sure it'll still be the same amount of fun. (02/16/2014)

Among the movie's positives, the standout is definitely the cast — especially Michael Shannon, who was born to play disturbed government agents and corrupt police officers, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is also among my favorite actors. However, the main issue I had was with the story itself. It should have stirred some emotions in me, but it fell flat in that regard. Aside from the bike rides, it didn't feel very original. It also made me remember why I don't typically watch the Tour de France — it tends to bore me. The film didn't quite reach that level of tedium, but the potential was there. / Lesson learned: Haste makes waste. (06/12/2022)

Straightforward action fun, but surprisingly well made. Gordon-Levitt is good as always, but he’s overshadowed by Michael Shannon, who delivers the cutest antagonist of the year. And it’s mostly him (and the already referred to perfect direction and cinematography) that makes Premium Rush worth watching, even though the script is by no means great. (12/01/2012)

Naïve, but nice. The retrospective uncovering of who, what and why is well thought out in the first half of the film and the feats of cycling in the second half are even faster and more intense, with more obstacles. The probability of such a “chance” encounter in Manhattan is vanishingly small and chasing a bicycle with a car through New York’s congested streets is unrealistic, but the film doesn’t take itself seriously, so that’s okay. The girls are pretty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is likable and bad guy Michael Shannon is eccentrically unhinged in a way that would be suitable for an action comedy. The cyclists go all out and the action is spectacularly shot and edited. (12/25/2023)