Statham's character is a relentless one man army in classic tradition. There are no Corey Yeun-style martial arts scenes but it doesn't matter. He's a pure physical presence with a maniacal glint in his eyes. Much more restrained than CGI-filled, action pantomime that was TRANSPORTER 2, CRANK is Statham's best star vehicle yet. In addition there are connotations to films such as Tony Scott's MAN ON FIRE and DOMINO and Brit gangster movies such as Mike Hodges' GET CARTER and Guy Ritchie's LOCK, STOCK and TWO SMOKING BARRELS which add to the thrills and keep us entertained. RAGE was the prototype, but CRANK takes it to the limit with set-pieces and jokes as silly as they are inventive.
The similarities between the two cannot be ignored but this is clearly the superior of the two. Brit, the location is once again Los Angeles, but there are gangster movie connotations, wild visuals and a tongue-in-cheek tone you cannot take the name Chev Chelios seriously and I don't think you're supposed to which makes this a lively, engaging ride which knocks Daniels' effort for six.
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