Crank (Widescreen Edition)
by Brian Taylor, Mark Neveldine
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Amy Smart, Carlos Sanz, Efren Ramirez, Jason Statham, Jose Pablo CantilloDirector: Brian Taylor, Mark Neveldine
Brand: Lions Gate
Writer: Brian Taylor
Writer: Mark Neveldine
Producer: David Rubin
Producer: Eric Reid
Producer: Gary Lucchesi
Producer: Michael Davis
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0; Korean (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 88 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-01-09
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate Films
Movie Reviews of Crank (Widescreen Edition)
Movie Review: "My name is Chev Chelios, and today's the day that I die."
Summary: 5 Stars
SPOILERS galore, my friends.
Okay, so CRANK seems to be one of those polarizing flicks; either people love it or loathe it. Not to offend the haters, but I'm firmly in the former group: I love this movie. I saw CRANK on its opening day, the noon matinee screening, and, apparently, the premise was canny enough that it drew in a nice crowd, even for so early a showing. Most of that crowd got the movie. I have to say that CRANK lived up to my expectations, which were sparked weeks before by the very cool trailer. Now, CRANK is one of those films that gratifies the short-attention-spanned MTV generation (like yours truly). It's full of quick cuts, dizzying camera zooms and pans shot from all kinds of angles. It goes at its own quirky speed and pace, so it might confuse and discombobulate those expecting your generic action formula. But, having said that, even the older folks seemed to be enjoying and laughing in all the right spots.
The plot now: Jason Statham energetically plays Chev Chelios, a hitman who sometimes does jobs for the local crime syndicate. On one such gig, he finds that he's unable to ice his assignment, instead letting the vic get away unmarked. Chev wakes up the next morning, groggy and not feeling too well. It seems that a venomous local hood by name of Verona (Jose Pablo Cantillo) had snuck into his residence and drugged him with a lethal Chinese cocktail, from which there is no antidote. However, Chev learns that he could possibly extend his life span by a bit thru consistently maintaining his adrenalin at a high level. Since Chev isn't the type of cat to go slink to a corner, he straightaway proceeds to get his vengeance on as he simultaneously strives to keep his girlfriend safe from West Coast thuggery and hardheadedly find a cure. And with that, let the nuttiness unfold.
So this was a frenetic film. With its off the wall sensibilities and off-kilter and insidious sense of humor, I could see why some folks won't be able to get on board. It's really not your typical actioner, done with a staid A-B-C mindset; it flies in the face of what's expected and that tends to put off folks. I actually expected Statham to service the fight scenes with his martial arts, but he eschews that, instead relying on the ol' reliable: the meat and potatoes use of his brawn and his firearms.
Did I mention the dark, snarky comedy? Much of it lies in Chev's frantic endeavors to keep his heart pumping hard: whether it's purposely instigating a brawl with some gangbangers, headbangin' to "Achy Breaky Heart," hitting himself up with resuscitation paddles, or even sniffin' da illegals. There's even that well-heralded public show of affection in Chinatown (to me, the funniest scene in the flick). Not to mention, the sequence with Chev invading the streets clad merely in his hospital gown. And those poor birds...
Jason Statham has been steadily coming on to American action cinema. In recent years, his resume has included TRANSPORTER, TRANSPORTER 2, THE ITALIAN JOB, and CELLULAR. He's become the new name brand of in-your-face, no-nonsense action. He presents a burly physical presence which makes him perfect for his arse-kicking roles. Even though he was Handsome Rob in THE ITALIAN JOB, he's not what you'd call your classically handsome dude. What makes him so appealing when he plays these types of characters, whether it's a good guy or a villain, is that display of unmitigated, sullen intensity coupled with a quiet hostility. When he gets that look on his face, you just know you don't want to eff with him. Here, he amps up that intensity even further as he reaches new heights of berserk fury. Add him to that current list of action stars (Daniel Craig and even Vin Diesel and the Rock) who can decently emote whilst kicking villainous booty.
In my eyes, Amy Smart can do no wrong. Amy portrays Chev's girlfriend Eve with a charming carefree ditziness. There was a chance that the aforementioned Chinatown scene would've come off as awkward and uncomfortable, but Amy is so naturally there in the moment that the audience willigly goes along. Not to mention, she and Statham have very nice chemistry as her butterfly quirkiness is juxtaposed against his laconic magnetism. Jose Pablo Cantillo plays the main baddie Verona with nice virulence, while Efren Ramirez might startle and possibly even discomfit his fans as he strays quite a ways from his quasi-iconic Pedro role. Meanwhile, Dwight Yoakam discards his sexy country singer persona, content to play a maverick doctor with a freak fetish.
Bonus features include the nifty "Crank'd Out Mode" - wherein the viewer can experience behind-the-scenes footage, making-of insights, interviews with the cast and crew, running commentary, etc, while the movie's playing; "Crank: Family Friendly Audio" - an option wherein the viewer can watch the film without the cuss words; and the banging music video "Adrenalina" by David Rolas.
Like I said, CRANK isn't for everyone. It's weird and off the wall as hell. There are sequences that are guaranteed to shock a certain percentage of the movie-watching populace. But, for those who enjoy wallowing in dark, devil-may-care humor and a relentless, high octane pace, full of frowned-upon activities, well, go get your CRANK on. It's almost as good as base jumping.
Summary of Crank (Widescreen Edition)
PROFESSIONAL ASSASSIN CHEV CHELIOS LEARNS HIS RIVAL HAS INJECTED HIM WITH A POISON THAT WILL KILL HIM IF HIS HEART RATE DROPS.Similar DVD Movies
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