Jason Statham, renowned as a modern action star and martial artist, has ventured into a more unconventional territory with his Crank movie series, which is now available to stream for free. The series, known for its intense and chaotic energy, first premiered in 2006 and introduced audiences to Statham’s role as Chev Chelios, an English assassin navigating the perilous world of Los Angeles while facing extraordinary dangers.
Unlike typical action fare centered on combat and gunfire, the original Crank film pushes the boundaries with a fast-paced and wild storyline where Chev must maintain high adrenaline levels to survive after being injected with a lethal synthetic drug. This premise sets it apart from many other action movies and showcases Statham’s flair for playing characters on the edge of endurance amid a backdrop filled with eccentric personalities.
The Sequel and Its Place in Statham’s Career
The sequel, Crank: High Voltage, released in 2009 and also directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, continues the chaotic saga of Chev Chelios. This time, the protagonist’s heart is replaced with an artificial one that requires electrical jolts to keep functioning, leading to even more violent and bizarre scenarios. While some critics considered the sequel a decline from the original, it maintains the franchise’s reputation for relentless energy and outrageous action sequences.
Both films are now featured on the ad-supported streaming platform Tubi, allowing fans to experience the Crank double feature without cost. This availability is a reminder of how distinctive the Crank series is within Jason Statham’s filmography, especially for those who appreciate his more unrestrained and kinetic roles.
Prospects for a Third Crank Installment
Fans of the Crank series have long speculated about the possibility of a third film. During a 2018 discussion on The Movie Crypt podcast, co-director Brian Taylor addressed what it would take for a new installment to come to fruition. Taylor emphasized the need for Crank 3 to escalate the intensity and unpredictability well beyond its predecessor to justify revisiting the character and story. Despite occasional conversations with studios, the creative team remains unconvinced that proposed ideas meet their high standards for the franchise’s signature outlandishness.
“My feeling about Crank 3 is that Crank 3 should be as exponentially more f*cked up than Crank 2 as Crank 2 was to Crank 1. Obviously, there’s been talk here and there, but I’ve never really felt that creatively it was f*cked up enough to really do. Because the studio will get in contact with us: ‘What do you guys think about this?’ ‘What do you guys think about that?’ And the scenarios are always very tame compared to what I think it should be.” —Brian Taylor, Co-director
Given these comments, the future of the Crank franchise remains uncertain, though the team’s commitment to maintaining its intense style suggests any new installment would aim to push limits further rather than simply replicate past successes.
Why the Crank Series Continues to Captivate Viewers
The Crank films stand out in Jason Statham’s career due to their unique blend of high-octane action and unconventional storytelling. By emphasizing an adrenaline-fueled survival journey, these movies offer a rare mix of frantic pacing and dark humor. Statham’s portrayal of Chev Chelios taps into his strengths as an action star while allowing for a more eccentric and volatile character than his more stoic roles.
With both Crank movies now streaming freely, they present an accessible opportunity for viewers to engage with one of the actor’s most distinctive projects. As the franchise’s future remains open-ended, fans can appreciate how these films have contributed to expanding the scope of action cinema and Statham’s versatility within it.
