Crank

A visually overstuffed directorial debut that lacks a more distinctive narrative style and drowns its original theme in plagiarized action sequences that surprise no one. Statham is once again cool, but slowly but surely his single expression starts to become an awkward pose that becomes annoying towards the end. The film is pulled out of absolute mediocrity by a few wonderfully incorrect black-humor gems (the bird in the cage, sex by the mailbox), but why not admit it: (spoiler!) classic clips die just like the hero of the film - he tries his best, but he’s on his way underground just like everyone else. (11/28/2006)

Let's imagine for a moment what it would be like if all of the climactic scenes of this film were based on the daily routine of an ordinary bald guy, like me. I would wake up in the morning, smash my only TV set to smithereens, then out of boredom steal five cars and one police motorcycle, ride around town in a hospital gown that doesn't cover everything, have sex with a beautiful girl in public (and get the applause of a group of Japanese, or more likely Roma in our country) and finally jump out of a helicopter and hastily call my mother to tell her not to worry, that God is still counting on me for the second episode (sorry, day). ... I know, it's a movie, and I'm not saying I wouldn't enjoy something like that myself at some point in my life, but everything has its limits, which are sort of forgotten here – though in this case that's actually a good thing :) 65% (07/04/2011)

I'll say right now that if it weren't for the phone ending, Crank would get a Boo! Why so ruthless, you ask? The film has a great idea, it's based on a really original idea (which is to be damn appreciated), but why on earth is it filmed in such a... Hmm... Neutered way? I like Statham, I trust him in badass roles, but I had a huge problem with him here. He kept one expression throughout the film that annoyed me to no end... The way he tried to look pissed off at all costs was awkward. Normally, I have nothing against vulgarity and violence, but it has to be appropriate and there has to be a reason for it. But there was no reason for 90% of all the shooting, fucking in the street, erections and the like. Crank is a B-movie that can't be denied its momentum and swing - it gets going at the beginning and stops after an hour and a half - but it's terribly empty and can (and did) get severely boring after half an hour. (04/08/2010)

I have to say that I liked this action. It's an excellent idea that has a good adrenaline drive. It's not perfect and it's not fully developed, it could be a bit rougher, but Jason simply has a talent that allows him to excel in any role. And this definitely suited him. Sometimes I should try the sequel as well. (03/10/2014)

Revelation. A brilliantly crazy and absurd affair with divine action and tons of one-liners. Crank will make you laugh, charge you with energy, and not break a sweat while doing it. Jason Statham as Chev Chelios found his perfect role, and whether it revolves around his girlfriend or slimy villains, I can't believe what the script can come up with. And the wild action, taken to unimaginable extremes, is the reason why I recommended this little treat to even action-hungry viewers. It sent shivers down my spine, and I happily smiled that someone served me scenes on a silver platter that I've always wanted to see. The fact that Neveldine and Taylor clearly went crazy before shooting the second installment is a different story, albeit a very sad one even after many years. (11/03/2006)