Crank: High Voltage (2009)
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Crank is the best straight-up action film of this decade. Some might agree, some might disagree, but that film reminded of everything great I remebered about the action films from the 80's. For me personally, Statham ranks up there with Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Van Damme. He'll even be in the upcoming, action-star ensemble cast The Expendables.
When I first heard of a sequel, I was sort of shocked. His character (apparently) died at the end of the first film. Then I remembered; this world is almost like a video game. What do you get in video games? Multiple lives! When I finally saw the trailer, I was stoked. The same team, the same cast, nothing could go wrong. I was just wondering if they could keep up with the fanatic pace of the first film.
Chev Chelios has his now indestructible heart taken from him and replaced with an AbiCor Artificial heart (which is apparently a real device.) He cracks some skulls and goes on yet another journey to get his "strawberry tart" back before his electric heart runs out of juice.
I have to admit, I had a little bit of doubt that they could deliver on such a great film, but they proved that little part of me wrong. Not only did they keep up with the frantic pace of the first film, but they even amped it up. Everything that was completely ridiculous in the first film happens constantly in this, and it totally works.
When I first heard of a sequel, I was sort of shocked. His character (apparently) died at the end of the first film. Then I remembered; this world is almost like a video game. What do you get in video games? Multiple lives! When I finally saw the trailer, I was stoked. The same team, the same cast, nothing could go wrong. I was just wondering if they could keep up with the fanatic pace of the first film.
Chev Chelios has his now indestructible heart taken from him and replaced with an AbiCor Artificial heart (which is apparently a real device.) He cracks some skulls and goes on yet another journey to get his "strawberry tart" back before his electric heart runs out of juice.
I have to admit, I had a little bit of doubt that they could deliver on such a great film, but they proved that little part of me wrong. Not only did they keep up with the frantic pace of the first film, but they even amped it up. Everything that was completely ridiculous in the first film happens constantly in this, and it totally works.
Not only is it action-packed, but it made me laugh my ass off. Bai Ling as a prostitute that speaks horrible English and Efren Ramirez who's the twin bother of his murdered character from the first film and happens to have FBT (Full Body Turrets) are especially hilarious. There's much laughter to come from this unless you are easily offended.
It was exciting to see some of the casting choices, especially Clifton Collins, Jr. who I've been a fan since One-Eight-Seven. Seeing Corey Haim in an atomic mullet was worth the price of admission alone. There are even some cameos I didn't realize until after I left the theater such as Lauren Holly as a therapist and Ginger Spice as Mother Chelios. Unfortunately, some of these roles were quite limited. I wouldn't have minded to see a bit more of Haim and Collin's characters, especially Collins since he is the main villain of the film.
It was exciting to see some of the casting choices, especially Clifton Collins, Jr. who I've been a fan since One-Eight-Seven. Seeing Corey Haim in an atomic mullet was worth the price of admission alone. There are even some cameos I didn't realize until after I left the theater such as Lauren Holly as a therapist and Ginger Spice as Mother Chelios. Unfortunately, some of these roles were quite limited. I wouldn't have minded to see a bit more of Haim and Collin's characters, especially Collins since he is the main villain of the film.
When I first saw Crank, I was fully expecting it to suck. I hate the Transporter movies and, from what I got from advertisements, that's exactly what I was going to get. It really took me by surprise. Obviously, Crank: High Voltage wasn't going to take me surprise again, but it did tend to be a bit more unfocused than the first film... if you can even say the first film was just a tad focused. The last act took me by surprised, hell, I didn't even know they were setting up the end of the film.
I can say that Crank: High Voltage has balls. Especially with the way it ended (stay through the credits though, they easily set up a third film.) If you "got" the first film, I can easily recommend the sequel. It's just unpredictable and much crazier than the original.
I can say that Crank: High Voltage has balls. Especially with the way it ended (stay through the credits though, they easily set up a third film.) If you "got" the first film, I can easily recommend the sequel. It's just unpredictable and much crazier than the original.
Overall, Crank: High Voltage is one hell of a visceral ride. Probably the most enjoyable film I've seen this year. Unfortunately, it's doing poorly at the Box Office which makes me doubt a proper sequel and maybe creating the effect of producing less R-rated action films since crap like Fast and Furious are making huge bank. But who knows, it might kick-ass in video sales. Fans of Crank can also looking forward to the upcoming Scott Pilgrim vs. the World which will quite literally take place in a video-game world.
Overall Grade:
A-
A-
The Good: Fast pace, R-rated action like the old days again, lives up to the original, funny as hell.
The Bad: Even more unfocused, talented/interesting cast not utilized enough.
The Ugly: A lubed up shotgun...
The Bad: Even more unfocused, talented/interesting cast not utilized enough.
The Ugly: A lubed up shotgun...
