Premium Rush

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez
Directed by: David Koepp (“Ghost Town”)
Written by: David Koepp (“Ghost Town”) and John Kamps (“Ghost Town”)

There is an obvious reason the name of the main character played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“Inception”) in the new bicycle action/thriller “Premium Rush” is Wilee. With a couple of references to Wile E. Coyote from Looney Tunes, a narrative built around a 90-minute chase scene, and always-eccentric actor Michael Shannon (“Take Shelter”) over-exaggerating every bit of his awkward dialogue, the whole thing plays out like a caffeinated cartoon. It’s unfortunate, however, that no one gets tossed off a cliff or smashed with an oversized mallet.

“Premium Rush” rides hard, but without much direction. It’s the sort of movie Google Maps would make if they could cinematize their website. In the film, Gordon-Levitt plays Wilee, a New York City bike courier being pursued by Det. Bobby Monday (Shannon), a corrupt cop who is after a mysterious envelope Wilee is delivering across town. Up to his neck in debt with an underground gambling ring, Det. Monday must intercept the envelope to earn the cash he owes. It takes screenwriters David Koepp and John Kamps far too long to explain why Wilee getting to his destination is so important. When the big reveal comes, you’ll wonder why it took a whole hour to explain such a messy storyline.

While there are effective bike stunts featured throughout the movie and some kinetic camerawork that will make you feel like you’re riding on these characters’ bike spokes, “Premium Rush” wears out its welcome with close ups of peddles spinning, traffic lights blinking and a screenplay that allows anyone to get anywhere in NYC in five minutes. It’s true, these bike messengers are fast, but not Roadrunner fast.