Death Race
Cast: Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane
Dir: Paul W.S. Anderson
Rating: 3.5/5
The man behind the Resident Evil franchise is back with a bit of a change as he revamps the 1975 cult classic Death Race 2000 with Death Race. And it's hardman Jason Statham behind the wheel this time around.
In 2012, the American economy has collapsed, and prisons have been taken over by corporations. Overseen by Warden Hennessey (Joan Allen), Terminal Island prison generates immense amounts of revenue with pay-per-view broadcasts of "Death Race," in which inmates participate in an auto race where anything goes.
New inmate Jensen Ames (Statham), who has been framed for the death of his wife, is chosen to take over the role of Frankenstein, the contest's recently deceased masked star driver.
His chief competitor, Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson), unaware that a new man is behind the mask of his old rival, will stop at nothing to win.
With Case, a sexy navigator from the nearby women's facility, and a trusty pit crew led by wise veteran Coach (Ian McShane), Ames has a good shot at winning.
If he does, he's been promised his freedom, but the race holds more obstacles than he can imagine, and ratings are more important to Hennessey than being true to her word.
While many fans of the original will be disappointed at the stripping away of the satire and black comedy that were a real presence in the original Anderson and co have produced a high octane, Pimp My Ride fun.
Death Race is a special effects driven script but the 1000mph action never ceases to be exciting as Statham and the rest of the cast go head to head in some impressive cars. It's an action flick but it wears that badge proudly and never pretends to be something else.
While it may not win points for originality it's incredibly well made and the cast put in some great performances, yes alright Statham is not stretched but he is always great as the hardman trying to do the right thing.
But it's the cars that are the real stars of the film they are fast and furious and really do steal the show.
If you want an piece of entertainment that's full of excitement and flesh ripping stunts then Death Race is an absolute must. If you are a big fan of the original I suggest you give it a miss.