Crank

C+

Crank
Rate R; Directed by Mark Neveldine & Mark Taylor; Starring Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Dwight Yoakum

If your life depends on finding ways to keep adrenaline pumping through your system then this action flick could fit the bill. There are enough action-packed sequences to keep the movie rushing forward at a breakneck pace and the audience waiting for breathing room. The movie won’t win Oscars, but if you’re a teenage boy, the movie has it all: car chases, spouting blood, gun battles, and gratuitous nudity – though there’s nothing gratuitous about it to an 18-year old.

Jason Statham has managed to carve out a niche for himself in the action film genre. He succeeded with The Transporter and its sequel (both good action thrillers) by playing cool, quiet killers. He does play a killer this time, but cool and quiet aren’t the words to describe him – he’s on a speed-induced rampage in this movie. Injected with a poison, his hit man character, Chev, must find an antidote, enact revenge, and keep his girlfriend safe all while never letting things slow down or his heart will stop. It’s a great premise and the movie tries to live up to it, with some success.

Dwight Yoakum is the sleazy doctor helping Chev, Amy Smart is the girlfriend oblivious to Chev’s real job, and Jose Pablo Cantillo is the crime lord who poisoned Chev. All have fun with their roles, but what’s not to like? It’s so over-the-top unbelievable that understated acting would get lost among all the guns and blood.

The action is fun, the premise is good, the plot is silly, and 18 year-olds will love it. If you’re older, turn off the brain and you may enjoy the cranked up ride.