MovieChat Forums > Crank: High Voltage (2009) Discussion > Did this movie strike anyone as being mo...

Did this movie strike anyone as being more of a fantasy action film?

posted 13 years ago by Zombie55
7 replies | jump to latest

Though it is also kind of doubtful to say that the first movie was completely realistic, I had to wonder, did this second film, the sequel to the original Crank, strike anyone as being more of a sci-fi/fantasy action flick with comic-book and exploitation-movie elements thrown in? Cause it sure did strike me as one!

In particular, the fact that the lead character lived after enduring MASSIVE amounts of electricity (that ironically, was needed for his heart to live), not to mention, how ON EARTH did he survive THAT fall out of the helicopter without a parachute (and after undergone the surgery, he woke up alright and completely stable)? Plus, what on Earth was that Godzilla-like fight at a power-station all about? That sure was another fantasy movie element in it!

And frankly, what about that severed head that was kept alive like that in the water?

I think this movie DOES need to have a 'fantasy' lable added to it's genre!

[–] billnadsley 13 years ago

Agreed - and I actually kind of like the terminology of a "Fantasy action" film. Clearly, all action movies are highly unrealistic, but I find the "Crank"-type films to be art, on top of your usual action films. They've figured out how to be unique, and deliver the adrenaline in visually interesting, and unique ways. I actually find these movies more creative, and again, artistic, than so much that's out there today.

I think this genre is currently expanding, and I really hope they keep making stuff like this.

This one was more over-the-top than the original, but I think the original "Crank" fits into this category as well - another huge favorite that works in this genre is "Shoot 'Em Up".

Honestly, and strangely enough, I think you could also use the term "comedy" in the mix of categorizing these films.

[–] IndridCold 13 years ago

I remember the exact moment it hit me in Crank 2 that Chev had been elevated to something of a comic book character. It was when he walked into the Cypress Social Club and IMMEDIATELY bodies and severed heads started exploding out of the windows.

Crank bordered on unbelievable, but Crank 2 pushed it into utterly ridiculous. Which was great! I loved it! In a way, this movie was practically perfect, at least in the sense of what they were trying to do. They wanted something absolutely insane, and they got it. I get the feeling that almost everything in the movie was done for a specific reason, all towards a greater goal of having a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Action thriller that was more style than substance.

I loved these two movies and wouldn't mind a third if they could find a way to make it work.

"It's only after you've lost everything that you're free to do anything."

[–] plutomani 13 years ago

Refreshing to see others who share this opinion. Each time someone ask me about the Crank movies, but especially High Voltage I immediately refer to them as fantasy movies. Crank 2 felt a lot like a straight adaptation of a high octane Japanese manga. I'd say it's spiritually linked to the likes of Sin City, but without the fancy noir-aesthetics.

The scene that sticks in my mind the most for some reason, is where the petite looking Amy Smart grabs Corey Haim and throws him around like a ragdoll. It's an example of what I love about this one (but also about Statham's Transporter series): it's a complete F.U to action movies that tries to be "realistic". It's not even trying to give that impression, but goes completely bonkers from the first second and throws the most random scenes at us constantly. It's one of the least boring movies I've ever seen.

[–] Scarekrow9 11 years ago

It's like a video game. Didn't you guys see the 8-bit references?

Laugh, and the world thinks you're crazy.
Weep, and the world thinks you're bipolar.

[–] neil-476 10 years ago

It was a surrealistic comedy with huge amounts of fantasy, all dressed up as an action movie. I am stunned at people who are looking for realism in it - the lack of realism was the whole point. Once your basic scenarion is a bloke running around looking for his heart and having to charge himself up every hour, you surely can't be taking it seriously.

[–] Ana_Banana 8 years ago

Right. On the other side, the cinematography and editing are brilliant.

Is this bothering you?

[–] Prismark10 8 years ago

I never regarded it as a realistic action film.

It's that man again!!