shotguntom

I've given this film 7/10 but as the film is largely about cycling, and I'm a cyclist, I may be a bit biased. Basically anyone who enjoys biking, whether on road or off, will enjoy "Premium Rush" – cyclists are in effect the action heroes of this film. However, for the non cyclist, this film will probably come across as a fairly standard action thriller with familiar themes and characters. It really is all about the biking and the stunts. These scenes are brilliantly captured and filmed, and while CGI was no doubt used, at times it is difficult to distinguish where. With a short running time of 90 mins (a refreshing change) and relentless pace, "Premium Rush" is simple, straight forward entertainment – and what's wrong with that? I can only think of two other films where cycling has been given the full Hollywood treatment – "American Flyers" (good) and "Breaking Away" (excellent) – next up the Lance Armstrong Story?

Dear oh dear - where to start with this one? Like others I was really looking forward to it - an action film called "The Man With the Iron Fists", with Tarantino's name attached (however tenuously) and Russell Crowe starring - how could it fail? I actually came away feeling annoyed. Annoyed that junk like this can even get funding. Imagine how many great scripts there are out there which can't get funding; how many great directors there are who can't get hired; how many great actors there are waiting for a break...and then this gets made! RZA cannot write screenplays. RZA definitely can't direct films. Bautista cannot act. Why can't these people stick to what they do best? Music in RZA's case and Bautista? Dave old son, do anything but please stay away from acting. As for Russell Crowe? Well he should be ashamed or at least embarrassed, especially with lines like "My name is Mr. Knife! But you can call me Jack!" Don't get me wrong - I understand this is supposed to be tongue in cheek but even tongue in cheek has to be witty and clever - this is neither. I can switch my brain off and quite happily enjoy an action film or comedy so long as it's done with a modicum of talent. In this case I should have pulled out my brain and thrown it out the nearest window. The absolute nadir of cinema.