Crank was a real surprise when it debuted a few years back. It was written and directed by two unknown guys who go by their last names only. Billed as “Neveldine/Taylor”, they are extremely inventive and are adept at making hardcore action flicks that while not to everyone’s liking, are hard to ignore. The flick starred Jason Statham as a hitman betrayed and poisoned by some gangsters. Statham survives long enough to get revenge and the film ends with him plunging to his “death” out of a helicopter. Crank 2 picks up at the exact moment the first movie ends and never lets up for a minute.

Crank 2: High Voltage comes in a 2 disc set loaded with extras. There’s a solid widescreen transfer, an audio commentary with writer/directors Neveldine and Taylor, a long and a engaging making of featurette. The making of featurette is well-produced and often engaging, but the directors are hard guys to like. They seem to think they are reinventing the wheel and give little mind to the casual racism and sexism displayed in their movies. The 2 disc set also includes a digital copy of the movie for your computer.

Crank 2: High Voltage features most of the major actors and attitude from the original movie. The nonstop carnage and rampant racism and sexism on display isn’t always easy to take, but it’s never meant to be taken seriously and Crank 2 is a jolting, energetic alternative to boring action flicks everywhere. If you like your action fast and furious, Crank 2 is the movie for you.

DVD Grade: B

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