FIRST LOOK

Crank 2 Cranks Up the Crazy with Jason Statham's Head

by Kevin Powers
July 22, 2008

This cropped up yesterday, but let's just say it's taken me that long to process the uber weirdness here. The LA Times posted some rather odd set photos from Crank 2: High Voltage that seem to depict a surreal sequence in which an exaggerated version of Chev Chelios, played by Jason Statham, and some other dude go at it amidst a gloomy landscape of tiny power lines - giving the characters a giant quality. However, the fact that there's even a sequel to the 2006 odd-ball actioner is bizarre enough (we announced it officially late last year); so, really, I guess this scene isn't that strange when you put it in context. And you have to admit, Statham's mask would make the bitchin'-est Halloween get-up.

You can check out the full set of 19 photos over at the LA Times site, which also shows directors (and masters of this madness) Mark Neveldine (beard) and Brian Taylor (bald) working with the crew. KY must be some secret special effects device.

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Ever since the sequel was announced, I've had misgivings about the project. If you've seen Crank, the you'd know that a follow-on is one of the most implausible extensions of a storyline imaginable. But again, rationalism and reality are clearly taking a back seat in this production. As the plot goes, Chelios is again pit against the clock, chasing down a mobster, not for an antidote this time, but for his own heart. You see, the Chinese criminal stole Chelios' heart and replaced it with a battery-powered one that needs regular doses of electricity to keep working. Where these photos fits in is unknown. But does it really matter?

Don't let this make you think that Neveldine and Taylor are small-budget screwballs. The two are actually behind the much more anticipated film, Game, due out later this year, led by 300 star Gerard Butler. Despite the wackiness here, I'm sure Crank 2 will have some pretty entertaining, if totally implausible, action. I've seen the first one a few times out of pure ridiculous fascination. I'm sure I'll have an similar experience here. What about you? Excited for Crank 2

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