Rare is the time when one can truly say a film’s sequel is better than the original. Examples spring to mind of course, but these are the rare exceptions. The Empire Strikes Back was clearly superior to the original Star Wars, and many would contend that The Godfather II eclipsed the first. The list goes on, full of the kind of prolific and long standing movies that go on for generations: The Dark Knight, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Back to the Future II, Evil Dead II, and perhaps the biggest leap forward from original to sequel, Crank: High Voltage. Yes, Crank 2. No, this is not a joke.
It took a great deal of pondering and personal dilemma after seeing the follow-up to the underwhelming Crank to determine what it was that I had just seen. As a movie that never takes itself seriously and gives the audience exactly what they want, and then a few steps more could be the most pandering piece of tripe in the history of cinema, appealing to the lowest common denominator of the American male. However, as a film that satirizes action movies by going above and beyond, Crank: High Voltage may be one of the best films this year.
This amazingly entertaining film, written and directed by the team who brought the original to screen, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, pushes absolutely every button in the mind of the viewer. Never stopping to take a breath, the movie begins with Jason Statham falling from the sky, and ends with a hallucinatory make-out session with Bai Ling. Everything in between is absolute chaos.
On the subject of Bai Ling, in Crank: High Voltage she may have found her absolute perfect role, as a slightly insane prostitute who decides she is in love with Chev Chelios (Statham) after he beats and kills a group of men that were attacking her. She is possessive, barely speaks English, yells, jumps a lot, and she might be one of the most exciting characters in the film.
One must give credit to the fantastic and hilarious casting in the film. Not only do cameos abound from musicians, actors and porn stars, but also some really brilliant choices the crew made when picking actors. For example, to take David Carradine and cast him as the hundred-year-old Chinese gang leader Poon Dong is absolutely fantastic. He delivers in the role, of course, but also delivers a nod to his of criticized portrayal as half-Asian character Kwai Chang Caine in Kung Fu.
This movie is for those who are not afraid to enjoy, and laugh at, the prototypical action movie. Anyone who is willing to admit that the idea of a movie with needless senseless violence, nudity, and men getting kicked in the groin is actually pretty appealing, if not intellectually stimulating, will absolutely love this film. Anyone who’s ever been disappointed by action films failing to deliver on the promise of action and delivering heavy handed story instead will love this film.
I cannot recommend Crank: High Voltage strongly enough, so I have compiled a list of a few of the amazing things featured in this film. If a single one of them sounds like something you would like, see this movie.
Crank 2 is a very low budget film - $13 million
Crank 2 was shot on equipment available at Best Buy
The entire soundtrack was composed by Mike Patton of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle
Amy Smart kicks the crap out of Corey Haim
Jason Statham gets hurt, a lot
Jason Statham hurts other people, a lot
Dwight Yoakam plays a doctor pimp sort of thing
Two men wearing Jason Statham and Art Hau suits fight Godzilla style
Bai Ling gets hit by a car
Gratuitous violence and nudity never hurt anyone (well, maybe the violence)
Seriously. Go. See it.
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