Crank

--- By Nancy Tu Translated by Sho Huang

Rating: n/a
3.5 stars out of 5-

Among almost all Hollywood action movies, violent, bloody scenes seems to dominate, which helps explain exactly why "Crank" is doing well at the box office. Pure visual excitement and a simple, easy-to-follow storyline are essential factors in helping audiences relate to the film.
In this story, assassin Chev Chelios is poisoned in his sleep by a rival and only has an hour left to live. The only way to prolong his life is to keep his heartbeat at around 96 beats per minute. What's worse, his fiance is kidnapped. This may sound a bit familiar to many, perhaps reminded of the movie "Speed", except that it's a human body instead of a bus. While the main character has to manage his heartbeat, he also has to locate the rival's whereabouts to save himself and his girlfriend.

Successful Hollywood action films usually exercise deft control of the storyline pace, which is blended with good special effects. In this film, the leading actor's heartbeat has become the main theme, as the audience follows him over a large geographic area that ranges from the mountains to the sea, and involves car and air chases. This helps guarantee that, though the script might not be the most creative, viewers will no doubt be willing to put their money down for a roller coaster ride in the theater.

Lead actor Jason Statham, who starred in "The Transporter", wasn't expected by many critics to go very far in Hollywood. However, the triumph of "Crank" has given him yet another vehicle to the top as an action-film tough-guy icon, as his uniquely cool image and athleticism continue to woo new fans.