Crank (Widescreen Edition)

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Insane but unique movie-making. Not good exactly...but undeniably URGENT., 2010-06-14
CRANK is the sort of movie that is not only review-proof, it is almost laughable to try to review it. It is movie that is virtually devoid of any of the more intangible qualities we look for when we go to a movie: coherent plot, logical characters, the ability to guess how much time is passing, etc. br /It tells the story of a hitman named Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) who has apparently run afoul of a local (Los Angeles) crime syndicate and has been injected with a drug that will kill him by destroying his heart. In order to delay his inevitable demise, Chev must keep himself on the run and adrenalized all the time. He decides to use the few high-strung hours he has left to exact revenge for his own murder. Along the way, he will visit with his girlfriend (Amy Smart) and also seek a cure. But mostly, he will do outrageous things to keep his heart going. br / br /It's a silly, simple premise...yet CRANK renders it almost incoherent. And the incoherence feels like the POINT of the film. There is NO buildup...it starts almost immediately with Chelois in dire straits...and never quits. The film appears to be edited by a madman, and to have been filmed by an insane person with a love for constantly changing film stock, exposures, and color saturation. No one is allowed (nor asked) to create a believable character. We "sympathize" with Chelois, not because he's a good person, but because we're forced to spend every instant of the movie with him...often in great close up. He causes a great deal of death and mayhem on his quest, often to innocent bystanders. As he catches up with various "bad" guys, he dispatches them with relish...but never stops to take a breath. CRANK is mayhem caught on screen. br / br /It's not exactly a great movie...as you may have guessed. But by golly, it accomplishes its mission. There is never a moment when you doubt that everyone involved doesn't know EXACTLY what kind of film they're making. The whole thing is designed to get YOUR heart racing in a crazy delirium. It simply moves all the time. Loud music, crazy camera angles, sped up film, sweaty faces. Everything designed to put you in Chelois' shoes. And this crazy mash-up actually works...and works well. br / br /Statham, while not exactly called upon to act, is nearly perfect here. He looks angry and strong and he also looks like the 20 Red Bulls he has guzzled really have strung him out. He feels like his heart is about to explode out of his chest. His shaved head, stubble, casual dress and terse manner all make for a unique hero...a hero who is utterly unbelievable and yet somehow so relatable. Amy Smart is equally ridiculous as the girlfriend. She's a sweet and empty-headed blonde...and you know there is NO way her path would ever have crossed with Chelois. The two of them have a very public, mildly graphic and totally hilarious and implausible sex scene. (Something to do with keeping Chev's adrenaline pumping!) Dwight Yoakum plays the world's sleaziest doctor...and all the other minor characters are completely stereotypes...but that's good, because we don't care about their characters...nor do we have TIME. This film is on speed, and we're simply whisked along for the ride. br / br /CRANK has NO redeeming social value, and it darn proud of it. It has virtually no moments that are credible in the real world. But it has a crazy style that has never been equaled for its sweaty, drug-fueled intensity. All this hard work is in the service of a reprehensible plot (if you take time to think about it)...but there is simply no denying the craftsmanship. It's a film that never pauses to take a breath. If what I've described sounds like fun to you...then it probably will be. Just enter at your own risk. (If you happen to like CRANK...then you'll also like the sequel...which is literally more of the same.) br /

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Crank dvd, 2010-04-27
The movie was a litle more crude than I thought it would be. This movie is an adult only movie.

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A wild ride and great intro to a great character!, 2010-04-15
A serious sleeper hit, Crank brings out the best young Hollywood talen has to offer. Great cinematography, great soundtrack, great acting. Only outdone by its sequel High Voltage.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Wha..?, 2010-03-08
I bought this because a friend recommended it. He described it as totally insane. It is pretty much Grand Theft Auto in live action. A simple story line where Stratham runs around to stay alive. I say Crank 2 is better, but not by much... and oh my friend forgot to tell me that it was only worth renting.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Crazy!, 2010-03-06
Three words for this one. Action! Action! Action! It is one wild movie but don't take it too seriously. It's just fun and it does not stop. If you like action movies, then this one is for you. Two thumbs up! br /