Premium Rush is a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled action-thriller film that takes viewers on a wild ride through the bustling streets of Manhattan. Directed by David Koepp and released in 2012, this underrated gem delivers an electrifying experience that will leave thriller fans gripping the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Premium Rush received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its thrilling action sequences and unique premise centered around bike messengers. It's a fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled movie that offers a unique perspective on the world of urban bike couriers.
What is Premium Rush about?
Premium Rush centers around Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who appeared in The Dark Knight Rises as a different version of Robin), a fearless and highly skilled bicycle messenger who navigates the treacherous streets of New York City with unmatched finesse. The film opens with a heart-pounding introduction to Wilee's world as he weaves through traffic, dodges pedestrians, and employs daring maneuvers that only a true adrenaline junkie would attempt. Wilee's life is all about speed, precision, and delivering packages on time.
However, his ordinary day takes a thrilling turn when he is tasked with delivering an envelope that seems routine at first glance. Little does Wilee know that this seemingly ordinary package holds the key to a high-stakes, life-threatening conspiracy. Suddenly, he finds himself pursued by a relentless, crooked cop named Bobby Monday (Michael Shannon, who appeared in both Man of Steel and The Flash as General Zod), who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the envelope. What follows is a nail-biting race against time, as Wilee must outsmart and outrun his ruthless pursuer while unraveling the mystery behind the package's contents.
What is Premium Rush's Rotten Tomatoes score?
Premium Rush received a respectable Rotten Tomatoes score of 75% from critics, indicating generally positive reviews. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, the film's high-octane action sequences, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's charismatic performance, and the unique premise garnered praise from many critics.
Critics commended the film's ability to transform the seemingly mundane job of a bicycle courier into a thrilling adventure. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's portrayal of Wilee was a standout, with his athleticism and commitment to the role drawing acclaim. Michael Shannon's performance as the relentless antagonist Bobby Monday also received praise for its intensity and unpredictability.
The film's pacing and suspenseful storytelling were noted as strengths, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the use of New York City as a backdrop added authenticity and a visually dynamic element to the film. While Premium Rush may not have reached blockbuster status, its positive critical reception highlights its appeal as a heart-racing action flick that delivers on its promises of excitement and suspense.
How does Premium Rush end? (Spoilers ahead!)
In the events leading up to the end of Premium Rush, Vanessa's roommate, Nima (Jamie Chung), embarks on a high-stakes exchange, trading her hard-earned $50,000 with Mr. Leung (Henry O), a Chinese hawaladar, in return for a crucial ticket. This ticket isn't your ordinary pass; it's meant to secure the safe passage of Nima's son and mother, both undocumented, into the United States through the network of Sister Chen's (Wai Ching Ho) smuggling operation.
Enter Monday, a compulsive gambler whose nose for trouble sniffs out the ticket's value. Realizing that this ticket can be exchanged with Mr. Leung for a hefty sum, Monday sets his sights on it. His path intertwines with Nima, who has already hired Wilee, to deliver the ticket to Sister Chen. In a daring move, Monday tries to outwit Wilee and snatch the ticket away, but Wilee, driven by a sense of duty, refuses to be fooled.
As the high-stakes chase unfolds, Wilee finds himself pursued not only by Monday but also by the law itself. His decision to race to the police station reveals a startling twist—Monday is, in fact, an undercover police detective. Believing he's entangled in an illicit exchange, Wilee cancels the delivery through his dispatcher, Raj (Aasif Mandvi). However, when he returns to Nima's college, he unwittingly leaves the crucial envelope behind, and it falls into the hands of his arch-rival, Manny (Wole Parks).
With the delivery receipt stolen from Nima, Monday uses his knowledge to manipulate the dispatch system and divert the delivery to a different address. Wilee, after a tense confrontation with Nima, discovers the truth about the ticket's importance. Racing against time, he catches up to Manny, but Manny refuses to hand over the package. What follows is a gripping race through the city, with both couriers pursued by a relentless bike cop who had previously tried to apprehend Wilee.
The tension escalates near Monday's supposed destination when the bike cop successfully tackles Manny, leading to his arrest. Vanessa, now aware of Monday's deceit, rushes to the scene and hands Manny's bag over to Wilee. Just as they are about to make their escape, Wilee is struck by a taxi, sustaining multiple rib fractures. While Wilee is taken to an ambulance with Monday, his damaged bike is impounded, with the vital envelope cleverly hidden in the handlebars.
The story takes a dark turn as Monday, desperate to recover the envelope, resorts to torture. Wilee, struggling through the pain, misleads Monday into thinking the envelope is with Manny. This deception prompts Monday to leave in search of Manny while Wilee reunites with Vanessa in the impound lot. Vanessa hands over the envelope, which she managed to retrieve, and Wilee makes a daring escape on a stolen bike.
Monday, realizing he's been outsmarted, relentlessly pursues Wilee, leading to a dramatic showdown at Sister Chen's location. Meanwhile, Nima reaches out to Mr. Leung for help, and he dispatches his formidable enforcer, the Sudoku Man (Kin Shing Wong), to assist her. As the tension peaks in the heart of Chinatown, Monday confronts Wilee, threatening his life. Vanessa arrives with a cadre of fellow messengers, sent by Raj, providing a much-needed distraction for Monday. In the midst of chaos, Wilee successfully delivers the precious ticket to Sister Chen, ensuring the safety of Nima's family.
Monday, on the other hand, finds himself ensnared by both Chinese and Italian mobsters, but his fatal error is not noticing the Sudoku Man, who uses a Sudoku book to muffle the sound of his shot. A gunshot to the back of Monday's head seals his fate, and he collapses, dying before he can reach his car.
Nima receives the news that her son and mother have boarded the ship to the United States. She reunites with Wilee and Vanessa, and their journey comes full circle. In the end, Wilee returns to his bike courier job, acknowledging that while someday he might consider a more conventional occupation, he's not ready to give up the thrill of the unpredictable streets.
Premium Rush may not be the most well-known film in Joseph Gordon-Levitt's career, but it's certainly one of the most thrilling. With its unique premise, breakneck bike chases, and gripping narrative, the movie delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience.