Anyway, onto today's subject, Crank 2.
Directed by Neveldine/Taylor
If you're a Daily Mail reader then you'll know of the furore that accompanied the 'Grand Theft Auto' series of games. They were labeled as homophobic, racist, sexist, gratuitously violent and a sign of civilization's descent into Caligula-like decadence. As it turns out, the games are not really like that at all. But Crank 2 is. That's not to say that the film is a sign of the end of Civilization, however I'm sure the continued success of 'Twilight' is foretold as one of the signs of the Apocalypse. Think about it, four horsemen, four Twilight books. Stephanie Myer must be stopped before we see the second coming of Viggo Mortenstern.
But I digress.
'Crank 2' begins where the first film ends. Literally. With our hero being scraped up off the floor after falling many feet from a Helicopter. He's kept alive by the Triad so they can harvest his Organs, given that he's proven himself some kind of Superman. Chev Chelios isn't having any of that though, and after he's given a temporary electric heart, goes on a rampage to find his real one.
I'm not going to spoil any of the suprises in 'Crank 2' as it deserves to just be...experienced. The film is relentless, it barely stops moving and any digression it does take is over and done with so quickly that it never really ruins the pacing (Take the scene where we flashback to Chev's childhood, it probably goes on a little longer than it needs to, and I don't think the joke is quite as well executed as Neveldine/Taylor thought it would be) but such scenes are in scant supply anyway.
It's hard to really imagine anyone other than Jason Statham in these films. That's not to say he's an amazing actor, outside of the ill advised 'Revolver' I don't really think he's had a chance to do much as an actor. But he plays everything just right. In the first film Chelios seems like someone who's been done wrong. We know he was a hitman but there was still one or two moments where they humanize him. In the sequel however he's a swearing, fucking, racist violent machine and gets increasingly deranged throughout, seemingly enjoying the mayhem he's going through.
If there is one complaint though, it's that David Carradine and the always excellent Clifton Collins Jr don't get enough to do. They're both supporting players but you could probably write their lines down on one sheet of paper, such is the brevity of their roles. Special mention should also go to Amy Smart, who plays dumb really well, and even endearingly at times. Despite being fucked again in Public and being left behind by Chev twice. Chelios doesn't have time for love.
I don't know if there will be a 'Crank 3'. I really do hope so. If the 'Fast and Furious' franchise can keep going then there's no reason we can't see the continuing adventures of one Mr Chev Chelios.
Small note. While writing this I've been listening to Lord Sitar. Yes it's exactly as it sounds. Let me tell you that you've not heard The Who's 'I Can See For Miles' until you've heard it from a man literally rocking out on a Sitar. It seemed oddly appropriate for this review.
