Crank (Steelbook UHD) Review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: May 23, 2023
 Rating: R
 Film:  2.5/5
 
 Plot
 There are a thousand ways to raise your adrenaline, and today hit man Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) will need every one! He has one hour to settle the score and say goodbye to his girl and go out with a little style. The only question is, will he stay alive long enough to see it happen?
 
My Thoughts
I went into this film knowing it probably wouldn’t be my cup of tea and it turned out not to be. That being said, I can see why people like it. There are a lot of laugh-out-loud moments in the film and it never pretends to be anything other than what it is—a visual spectacle of adrenaline-fueled scenes spliced together trying to entertain male audiences. I watched it by myself without my wife anywhere around and she still wasn’t happy I would pollute my brain with the film. It’s filled with graphic violence, nudity, and other debauchery, so young audiences should be excluded.
 
Video 7/10
 Audio 9.5/10 Dolby Atmos
 
 Special Features:
·        Shooting Crank
·        The Stunts of Crank
·        Pushing Crank
·        Crank @ Comic-Con
·        More Stories from Crank
·        UHD Blu-ray + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 
 

 Conclusion
 I was warned that I wouldn’t really like this movie and for the most part, that’s true. I can appreciate the filmmaking, stunts, and humor, but the over-the-top antics were a bit too much for this over-50 white male. Granted, if I watched this as a young adult I would probably have liked it a lot more. The Steelbook packaging is great though and fans of the movie will probably want to add it to their collection.
 

 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Paul Heroy]

I might check this out, but I'm a little torn lol. I've heard of it before of course but not a huge fan of this kind of movie, UNLESS it has a lot of humor. After the exchange in the new releases thread, it was on my radar. I've mentioned before that I saw John Wick and didn't like it. On paper this seems like the same kind of movie, but the trailer looks like it's got a cheekier tone with more humor. Sometimes that's enough to flip me from "hate it" to at least enjoying it. Is that a fair take?

[AVSCraig]

I love this movie. I've owned it for years on Blu-ray and for a few years on 4K. Watched it numerous times. I think Rotten Tomatoes sums it up - 

" Crank's assaultive style and gleeful depravity may turn off casual action fans, but audiences seeking a strong dose of adrenaline will be thrilled by Jason Statham's raucous race against mortality. "

I give it 3.75/5. And Amy Smart is hot in it. Dwight Yokum is a hoot too. 

[David Vaughn]

I might check this out, but I'm a little torn lol. I've heard of it before of course but not a huge fan of this kind of movie, UNLESS it has a lot of humor. After the exchange in the new releases thread, it was on my radar. I've mentioned before that I saw John Wick and didn't like it. On paper this seems like the same kind of movie, but the trailer looks like it's got a cheekier tone with more humor. Sometimes that's enough to flip me from "hate it" to at least enjoying it. Is that a fair take?

I like John Wick a lot more because I felt his "revenge" angle had more merit. 

[SRW1000]

David,

How would you compare this one with The Hitman's Bodyguard and its sequel?  My impression is that it's along that same line, but I recall you liking both THB and HWB.

Scott

[David Vaughn]

David,

How would you compare this one with The Hitman's Bodyguard and its sequel?  My impression is that it's along that same line, but I recall you liking both THB and HWB.

Scott

This goes even further than those movies in regard to drug use and objectifying women. In fact, some scenes are just cringe-worthy in their approach because they are so over-the-top. The scene in China town is one such case (when/if you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about). I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone. 

[SRW1000]

Thanks for the clarification, David.  My wife is generally pretty tolerant of these kinds of movies, but I think I'll save some of those points for a different movie down the road.

[bmoney]

Thanks for the review! I’ll put it on the list.