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Crank: High Voltage, the sequel to the adrenaline-pumped Crank is gratuitous in every way. Whether it be through comedy, language, nudity, racial stereotypes, gore or balls out action, this film goes over and above to deliver on all fronts, to a nearly pornographic level. So, needless to say, I enjoyed every moment of it. It is a movie that knows exactly what it is and never stops to apologizes. And why should it? If you're easily offended then you would probably hate this movie. But if you're easily offended, you need to learn how to lighten up because Crank: High Voltage is freakin' awesome.

High Voltage picks up exactly where the first film left off. Our hero, Chev Chelios played by Jason Statham, falls out of a helicopter from a height that would normally kill a person, however, he is promptly scrapped off the pavement and whisked away. He wakes up several months later to find that his heart is stolen and was replaced by a mechanical one that requires a constant electrical charge. Chev then goes on a mission to find out who did to him and save his life. For those of you who haven't had an opportunity to see the original Crank, this is almost exactly the same premise as the first movie. And that's not a bad thing. It's just like pressing "reset" on your Nintendo--it lets you start the fun all over again like your favorite video game. And that's what the Crank movies essentially are--video games played out.

Like many sequels, the formalities of setting up character back-stories are lifted and we're able to get right into the meat. I think the new Crank might actually have even less story than the original, which leaves much more room for action, violence, sex and adolescent humor. High voltage takes things to levels that perhaps the first film might have been afraid to go.

Delightfully, many characters are brought back from the original film, even minor characters, and some in slightly unexpected, but totally plausible ways. Well, as plausible as anything for this kind of movie. There are also plenty of new characters brought into the crazy mix. Some, such as the eccentric prostitute Rai, played by Bai Ling, were annoying at times, but follow with the gratuitous nature of the film. They also offered comedic value which made them tolerable.

Just as the first one did, the ending of this movie offers hope for another sequel. I'm all for it, and can't see why it wouldn't happen. In much the same way horror movies such as Saw work, there's lots of potential for Crank, with its relatively low budget and appeal to our carnal sides, to extend to a long-lasting franchise.