Friday's movie roundup: A "Rush" of adrenaline

Two worthy hits from this year's Sundance Film Festival arrive in theaters today — along with a crackerjack chase thriller.

The chase movie is "Premium Rush," an exciting and smart action movie set on the streets of Manhattan. That's where Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a hotshot bike messenger, zips through traffic and pedestrians to deliver parcels around New York City. One particular envelope he delivers becomes supremely important, and draws the attention of a determined and corrupt cop (Michael Shannon) as Wilee tries to beat the clock. Director David Koepp keeps the action moving briskly, especially in the clever chases in which Wilee eyes all the potential outcomes of crossing busy streets.

At the Broadway, two great Sundance Film Festival entries — each, in their own way, set in the art world — open today.

"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" is an absorbing and dynamic documentary portrait of the Chinese artist and activist — and shows how his art fuels his political activity and vice versa. Director Alison Klayman (whom The Cricket interviewed; read it here) captures many facets of Ai's prickly personality, his vital commentary on the Chinese government, and his fascinating art.

"2 Days in New York" is a delightfully dizzy romantic comedy that shows French actress Julie Delpy to be a sharp cookie as a director. Delpy plays an art photographer who's frazzled as her new exhibit is about to open, on the same Halloween weekend as her family (led by Delpy's real-life father, Albert Delpy) comes to meet her boyfriend (Chris Rock). The results are funny, heart-warming, and a delicious commentary on New York's hipster scene.

Also opening today is "The Apparition," a dreary and idiotic horror thriller about a young couple (Ashley Greene and Sebastian Stan) menaced by unknown supernatural forces in a suburban house. A full review will be posted online later today.