New Movie Crank.

[padi56]

I watched "Crank" with low expectations, as I do with many films. The sneak previews made it look like it had a clever story, but I was worried that with Jason Statham playing lead, I might just get a re-hash of his "Transporter Type" films.

I got a pleasant surprise. From the very beginning, the film moves. And moves real bleeding fast,but not in an obnoxious way either. In the first minutes of the film we are set up with a possible story of corruption between hit men, a totally botched job, and the set-up for the whole movie. Statham's Chev Chelios being fatally poisoned with a Chinese-made serum that slows down his heart rate, and will eventually literally make his heart stop, killing him. The only solution is to keep the adrenaline pumping and keep his heart rate up! The whole movie is like one long action sequence, with pauses for story elements. This is the common thing now in films, but in other movies, it generally doesn't work so well. But, with the premise of "Crank" being the need for speed (Literally), the idea of all-action, little-plot actually works, And bloody works very well.

However,lets don't be mistaken, there is genuine plot in the film. Very clever stories about the past and the workings of crime-lords and their cronies, and how they all relate to Chelios. Some of it went over my head because of the constant action, but I was able to understand everything enough to enjoy the film.

The direction and editing is something I want to talk about briefly before I wrap this up. For a film like this, one would expect flashy camera work and crazy fast cutting, but I must say, the director/writer and the editor went beyond the call of duty. The film is shot as though the cameraman like himself was the one who was poisoned, with the camera flashing and moving around nearly constantly, only settling during the slow scenes. Quite a genius use of camera-work to emulate the story IMHO. And the editing certainly adds a lot to the already excellent camera work. We get cutting when necessary and when not necessary, to further illustrate the needs of the main character.

Overall, I would say "Crank" was the one of the best films I've seen in the last few years, leaps and bounds beyond the standard Hollywood copy-cat action flick.Its not perfect in any way but I would recommend it to any action-fan or adrenaline junkies, because take it from me, this film is fast action packed! my rating 8/10.

[Prince]

Thanks for the review, Peter. I usually don't trust the standard "Critic" reviews - they are never from a normal viewer's perspective.

[Uncle-AJ]

Which watch was Mr. Stratham wearing?

I'm not a fan of the moving cameras, they tend to make me dizzy. I remember NYPD Blue being like that, I couldn't stand it.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Which watch was Mr. Stratham wearing?

I'm not a fan of the moving cameras, they tend to make me dizzy. I remember NYPD Blue being like that, I couldn't stand it.

In his "Transporter" movies he definitely has on a Panerai. Up cose and personal shots were all there to view.

Thanks for the update and review, Padi. Hasn't been released here yet. Shall wait for it!!

JJ

[mailman]

Thanks Padi. It sounds like an interesting movie.

[roadcarver]

When my cousin asked me to watch it, never heard of the movie, but i knew it was the transporter star.

It was definitely good with lots of action from beginning to end, and some funny parts too.

The only bad thing that I noticed were too many camera shakes which gave me a slight head ache.

[Otis]

Shaky, verite style camerawork is either a big "DO" or a "DON'T" for me.
In a modern action movie it certainly has its place, and it's use makes sense. Also, don't forget that fast pans & snap zooms all serve as something to distract the viewer from the staged nature of an action sequence.But, if done well they just make it more exciting too.
But, on the other hand, sometimes shaky camerawork just gives me the sh*ts. Like Traffic, for instance. For pete's sake soderbergh, put the friggin' thing on a tripod!

Now that I'm done, thanks for the review Padi.
Haven't seen crank yet, but I think I will now, sounds like a fun ride.

[hutchman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

In his "Transporter" movies he definitely has on a Panerai. Up cose and personal shots were all there to view.

Thanks for the update and review, Padi. Hasn't been released here yet. Shall wait for it!!

JJ

At the last UFC he was wearing a Big Pilot which was very visable during an interview with by Joe Rogan.

It really made me want one!