"How did he do such fantastic stunts, with such little FEET!?"

I've watched a few films in my time.  In most that feature a cyclist in some form or another, they are usually depicted as a nuisance, a bit player or a victim.  The only exceptions that stand out are "Breaking Away" and "Quicksilver".  Well there's a new one out there and it is a genuine peach!  "Premium Rush" starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (a sought after A lister a long way from "Third Rock") from 2012.  Just sat down to watch it last night, and honestly I have NO idea why it took us so long!  I heard about this film way prior to it's release and even after the insistence of Uncle Chippie, it took me way to long to finally sit down and view it!
The movie, filmed in a disjointed "real time" format presents an hour in the life of a New York Bike Messenger.  Yes, those often time maligned, two wheel "Pains in the ass" recklessly hustling through congested traffic, terrorizing motorists and pedestrians alike!  mind you, that's NOT my opinion!  I rather admire these daredevils! Wilee (Gordon-Levitt)(Yes, named after the Coyote of Road Runner fame))  is THE top NY messenger.  Wilee picks up a delivery from a prestigious University to deliver to China town.  There he is approached by a corrupt psycho cop, Bobby Monday (played wonderfully by the modern day hybrid cross between Al Pacino and Christopher Walken, Michael Shannon) who WANTS the envelope.  Needless to say, Wilee gets away and the race for both delivery and discovery of the packages significance is on!  And the way it's  filmed is brilliant.  The movie begins about 3/4 the way through the action and a little clock appears in the lower right corner of the screen when it does.  Each time a significant event occurs, the clock winds back, and you get snippets of "What, who and why", then jumps forward again.  Sometimes scenes overlap during the flashback and you catch glimpses of things you have already witnessed but filmed from a different perspective!  I know I am describing it poorly, but when you watch it you'll better understand!  Another unique way they play with time is when Wilee is surging through traffic there are moments of "near misses", several actually, and the film slows as you are included in the characters instantaneous calculation of all available routes of escape.  This results in some macabre yet humorous scenarios, such as him doing a triple gainer off of cab, car and delivery truck (sans Brad Pitt's traffic tussle in "Meet Joe Black"), running into a baby carriage, and bumping into a jogger propelling him backwards to become a speed bump for a delivery truck (yea, that was a WEE bit disturbing for a cyclist to watch!)
The Creators had enough sense to solicit the help of ACTUAL bike messengers on this film. It appears that in several scenes they provide extras as well.  In truth the part of Wilee is played by FIVE people, including Joseph.  Men of particular talents are featured doing a variety of cycling styles, the best of which is Danny MacAskill doing his bit in an impound yard, evading several police, doubling for Wilee!  (check this guys skills on Youtube!  He is AMAZING!) But Joseph is no slouch!  He underwent several weeks of intense training to prepare for the role and it SHOWS in his ability to masterfully maneuver his classic, lugged steel frame Fixie!  Who knew you could "lock-em-up" and skidstop a FIXIE! Brilliant!  Not to mention capturing even the most subtle of "biker" style movements.  The swinging over of his "messenger bag" to get at it's contents was slick! 
Also, a real stand out for me, was the stuntman turned actor (at least for this flick) Christopher Place's portrayal of a frustrated Bike cop, in perpetual pursuit of Wille through the movie. 
Probably one of the most creative marketing ploys was in the originally aired promo for the flick they set up a scene that leads you to believe something intense is going to happen to Wilee in the film, but it ends up NOT being what you think.  But you spend the majority of the film bracing for it, so it really builds up  palpable tension that makes the film, well...a real RUSH! 
Two thumbs way, WAY up!
ON TO THE DAY!
Yesterday was a real humdinger of a hoot-a-nanny!  Where to begin!  Thanks to ALL the folks coming in and paying us a visit!  Sunday was the start of our NEW winter hours.  To those not in the know (or not paying attention to the two places it is written into the blog) we are now open M-f 9-6, Saturday 9-5 and Sunday noon to 5.  Honestly, it's starting to get darker sooner around here, and they place looks closed due to poor lighting, so I may as well BE closed!  Not to mention, we have been getting SO many requests to be open on Sunday, we needed to make that permanent!  Sent four to new homes yesterday.  Both remaining road bikes quickly left.  The last two remaining 26" MTB's as well!  But HAVE NO FEAR!  Got in more goodies yesterday!  Put out a SWEET, LIKE NEW 7 speed comfort cruiser, a fine looking Schwinn Sidewinder 26" MTB, AND a 2012 Giant Escape, XL frame!  SAH-WEEEET!!!  Not to mention several more "Soon-to-bes" in the wings!  Also got a neat looking, classic GT Dyno Areodyne frame BMX from a couple nice gents who looked like they just came from a casting call for "Duck Dynasty"!  SO without further delay, I bid you all a good day and expect to see y'all soon! 

26" SCHWINN SIDEWINDER MTB
ONLY $95.00!!

GIANT ESCAPE, XL FRAME HYBRID
ONLY $280.00!!

7 SPEED COMFORT CRUISER
ONLY $80.00!!!