After Jason Statham spent 12 years on the British National Swimming Squad, he began modeling for French Connection, Tommy Hilfiger, and Levis and appeared in a few music videos. However, it wasn't until Director Guy Ritchie saw him working as a street merchant that he cast Statham in his 1998 film, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. Two years later Stratham appeared in another Ritchie movie called Snatch. Having caught the eye of Hollywood, he spent the next several years acting in smaller, action films until 2002 when he was cast as the lead in a film called The Transporter. Then, four years later came the action movie, Crank.
The word crank can have many different meanings but, in this case, it is a slang term for Methamphetamines, an illegal drug used to stimulate the nervous system. Chev Chelios (Statham) is a Los Angeles-based hitman who, after killing a mafia boss named Don Kim (Keone Young; Men in Black 3), is injected with a Bejing Cocktail - a synthetic drug that blocks the flow of adrenaline from the adrenal glands, slowing the heart, and eventually killing the victim. Chelios wants a cure and revenge and spends his time doing whatever he can to keep his heart rate elevated so the adrenaline doesn't stop flowing.
Described as a dark comedy, Crank offers a plot that, while not completely unique, gives the audience something a little bit different. The action sequences are well done and some of the absurd things Chelios does to keep his heart rate up are downright funny. Though Statham was not originally the actor being considered to portray Chelios, he was a good choice because of his physicality and his ability to do all his own stunts. He also has a dry sense of humor that works well for the assassin's character.
If you are wondering why Lionsgate is re-releasing the 4K version that came out in 2019, it is because this latest version is a Best Buy exclusive SteelBook edition and fans of the film may want to consider upgrading. Even though the video and audio specifications remain the same from the 2019 release, the 2160p resolution offers the viewer incredibly sharp details and clear picture quality. When comparing the 4K to the Blu-ray version released in 2007 it is obvious to the eye the upgrades the 4K quality provides.
The Dolby Atmos audio is also better than the 2019 version which utilized a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The surround sound draws the audience into the action playing onscreen and assaults the ears from all directions. The dialogue is sharp and the gunfire and explosions are clean. Sadly, there isn't any new bonus material that has not been previously released. The extras include: Shooting Crank, The Stunts of Crank, Pushing Crank, Crank @ COMIC-CON (4K only), and More Stories from Crank (4K only). The Steelbook is nicely done with a picture of Statham with his usual scowl walking towards the camera.
Crank isn't the best action movie by any stretch of the imagination but it showcases Statham's physical prowess and wit (not to mention his naked behind exposed as he stands on a motorcycle dressed in nothing but a hospital gown). It also marks the directorial debuts of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor who use unusual methods to film many of the action sequences. The combination of Statham and the directors make for an entertaining film that can be watched and enjoyed repeatedly.
This upgraded 4K version housed in a stylish, Steelbook case makes a great addition to any collector's library.
Grade: B
Purchase a copy of Crank 4K on Steelbook exclusively at Best Buy.
