Film Review: Crank (2006)
In the early 21st century, many filmmakers strived to have their films described as "extreme," a term typically associated with the horror genre but occasionally applied to action movies. One such film that stands out in this regard is Crank, 2006 film written and directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. Despite its somewhat unoriginal basic premise, Crank appeared to be one of the most original and memorable works in the action genre at the time.
The protagonist of is Chev Chelios (Jason Statham), a professional assassin working for Los Angeles crime boss Don Carlito (played by Carlos Sanz). After taking out rival gang leader Don Kim (played by Keone Young), Chev wakes up feeling strange and receives a video message from Ricky Verona (played by Jose Pablo Cantillo), one of Carlito's underlings, explaining why: he has been injected with a synthetic drug that slows down his heart, leaving him roughly an hour to live. Consulting with Doc Miles (played by Dwight Yoakam), a criminal surgeon, Chev learns that he can slow the process if he pumps himself with enough adrenaline, forcing him into a frenetic race. He uses enormous amounts of energy drinks, drugs, and other stimulants while deliberately starting fights with police and being chased by them. Chev's objective is to stay alive for as long as possible and get an opportunity to avenge himself.
Crank was the feature debut for Neveldine and Taylor, who previously worked on television commercials. The basic premise, a combination of film noir classic D.O.A. and Speed, proved well-suited for filmmakers with such backgrounds, as they made the substance of the film entirely subservient to its style.
In some aspects, this approach works in the film's favour. The visual style is reminiscent of MTV videos and first-person footage from action video games, amplifying the violence to a surreal level that makes it less disturbing than in conventional films. The pace is frenetic, preventing the audience from taking a pause and contemplating plot holes, absurdities, or questionable moral alignment of the protagonist.
Jason Statham, already established as one of the greatest action stars of his time, relishes playing this role, which requires him to face vulnerability and mortality in an ultra-macho character. Other characters are one-dimensional but well-played, such as Dwight Yoakam's laid-back doctor. Amy Smart portrays Chev's girlfriend Eve, the only "normal" character in the film, providing a stark contrast to the ugliness and violence of the rest of the movie.
One of the most memorable scenes in Hollywood action films of the 21st century involves Eve, which is both outrageous and shocking given her angelic beauty. It's this willingness to push boundaries that has divided audiences on Crank.
Some may find it ultra-exploitative, immoral, and drowning in ethnic or sexist stereotypes without any deep meaning. Others might become physically ill due to the intense editing-induced epilepsy. However, those willing to overlook these shortcomings will enjoy the content presented in an easily digestible hour and half running time.
Crank proved to be a commercial success, leading Neveldine and Taylor to create a 2009 sequel titled Crank: High Voltage.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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