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Plot: NYC bike messenger Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is delivering a valuable envelope across town, but an out-of-luck gambler (Michael Shannon) tries to intercept him, and soon the police are chasing him too. His girlfriend Vanessa (Dania Ramiez) and steroid-loaded friend (Wole' Parks) pump bikes across town in crazy traffic to save the day.  [imdb link]    [photos]

Review: This is a fast moving summer movie that makes for knuckle-whitening grips on the theater seats as the riders careen through Manhatten risking limbs and livelihoods. The  plot is simple, but it sets up the action, and motivates the bike chase scenes. 

I liked most of the cast especially the likable Jamie Chung, who played the Chinese woman who started the whole chain of events. I did not like the gambler, Michael Shannon, who did not seem panicked or nervous enough.  The cast, like NYC, has every different ethic group.

The photography was gripping, and the music was dynamic and fast-paced. 

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez, Wole' Parks, Jamie Chung, Michael Shannon

Written and directed by: David Koepp

Rating:  2.5 stars:

More: I know that real bike messengers don't take risks like this, but I still think biking in traffic is too dangerous. 

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More: There is one out-take during the credits, so don't leave too quick. It showed an incident where Gordon-Levitt got 31 stitches. Besides, the old Who songs sound good on the big theater speakers.