Jason Statham Cranks It Up
Thriller has plenty of action, laughs
Anker, Joshua
Issue date: 9/5/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
"Crank" was a lot better than I expected. The preview is pretty clear about the premise: Guy gets bad drugs, guy needs adrenaline to stay alive, guy wants revenge. I figured that the whole movie would be one series of car chases, gunfights, and barroom brawls after another. Well, the movie certainly didn't let me down in those departments.
The movie establishes its relationship with drugs early, and constantly reinforces the theme throughout. From the dreamy, slowed down, drawn-out ringing of a cell phone to the frantic, often rotated, scattered movement of the camera, the filmography is far from standard. Other ways that "Crank" proves to be refreshing are the constant injection of information subtitles, out-of-character notes to the audience, and random do-hickeys that constantly provided a grin, smile, or laugh from the audience.
In order for Chev Chelios to keep his adrenaline pumping, he resorts to tactics like chugging Red bulls, Rockstar energy drinks, and even snorting nasal spray, which has ephedrine. Those, however, are the tamest things he does to keep his blood pumping. His character comes up with some riotous ways to stay high-energy, and the whole theater was in an uproar at some of his more creative antics.
From a bird that dies in a puff of feathers after being shot to Jason Statham running around in a hospital robe with a full erection, the movie was almost more a comedy than action, although neither category was lacking.
If you're seeing the movie because you like Amy Smart, you might be disappointed. Unfortunately, she plays a ditzy pothead girlfriend whose role is to support Statham instead of flesh out her own character. She does this well, however, which speaks to her own effectiveness as an actress.
"Crank" is action packed with plenty of drugs, violence, gore, and sex. Brian Gibson, of www.filmschoolejects.com, said it reminded him of Grand Theft Auto, and I'm inclined to agree with him.
Maybe I liked it because I went in with such low expectations, but it's non-stop laughs, groans, and entertainment for Statham as he "cranks" his way to a winner.
The movie establishes its relationship with drugs early, and constantly reinforces the theme throughout. From the dreamy, slowed down, drawn-out ringing of a cell phone to the frantic, often rotated, scattered movement of the camera, the filmography is far from standard. Other ways that "Crank" proves to be refreshing are the constant injection of information subtitles, out-of-character notes to the audience, and random do-hickeys that constantly provided a grin, smile, or laugh from the audience.
In order for Chev Chelios to keep his adrenaline pumping, he resorts to tactics like chugging Red bulls, Rockstar energy drinks, and even snorting nasal spray, which has ephedrine. Those, however, are the tamest things he does to keep his blood pumping. His character comes up with some riotous ways to stay high-energy, and the whole theater was in an uproar at some of his more creative antics.
From a bird that dies in a puff of feathers after being shot to Jason Statham running around in a hospital robe with a full erection, the movie was almost more a comedy than action, although neither category was lacking.
If you're seeing the movie because you like Amy Smart, you might be disappointed. Unfortunately, she plays a ditzy pothead girlfriend whose role is to support Statham instead of flesh out her own character. She does this well, however, which speaks to her own effectiveness as an actress.
"Crank" is action packed with plenty of drugs, violence, gore, and sex. Brian Gibson, of www.filmschoolejects.com, said it reminded him of Grand Theft Auto, and I'm inclined to agree with him.
Maybe I liked it because I went in with such low expectations, but it's non-stop laughs, groans, and entertainment for Statham as he "cranks" his way to a winner.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Debra Boussum
posted 9/06/06 @ 4:00 PM EST
CRANK was career suicide for Jason. What a shame...
Before this junk he was Bond material.
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