Death Race
Written by Action Andy on September 15, 2009
Ho-kay, so, Death Race. Short version: It’s a movie about a world gone to shit (which they briefly, on a small scale, show a few minutes of) where corporations run prisons for profit. Great. At the helm of one of the prisons we have “warden” Joan Allen (from the last two Bourne films) who formulates a “Death Race”! Imagine that! Well, the point of which is that after five wins in the “Death Race” said racing prisoner would be set free. This of course [spoiler]has never happened[/spoiler]. Our main character – Jason Statham – is thrust head-first into this world he conveniently knows, both in prison and on the race track. He takes over for [spoiler]the newly dead[/spoiler] Frankenstein, one of the baddest-ass characters to emerge in a while and the “star” of Death Race. Let’s put it this way; a movie exactly the same as Death Race based around Frank as a character would be a totally awesome concept.
Jason Statham does what he does best. Appear in scenes shirtless for no reason other than to show off his insanely ripped physique as if to say, “don’t fuck with me. EVER.” And I certainly wouldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy! That’s not where I’m going here.
Where I am going is here: Death Race is a mindless action film. Aaah, my specialty. (Don’t get me wrong again, I love all other genres, and can get deep during their discussion, but mindless action is “shut-your-brain-off” type of fun!) Death Race is what it is. A thrilling race that includes a decent helping of sailor-like swears, testosterone-driven fight scenes with gore, and some serious cars beefed up to take a beating while delivering one as well.
If you loved the video game Road Rash (best on N64 in my opinion!), you’ll enjoy it’s vehicular counterpart on film. Jason rips up the dick-weeds, peels rubber, and never makes you think for a second. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the carnage.
I give it a formidable 7 of 10 stars. Entertaining and not shitty is the initial key to success.
(P.S. the female prisoners are pretty hot when they come strolling off the bus all slo-mo-style.)
You must see the original Death Race 2000 this movie was based on (it’s a black comedy instead of an action movie). It smokes this rendition ten fold. David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone… a true original classic. One of my all time favorites.
I’ll definitely have to check that one out!