Despite the title and average rating on IMDB, this was the quintessential action movie. A remake of the 1975 film, Death Race 2000, which starred Sylvester Stallone and David Carradine, the new film isn't without it's fair share of star power.
Fittingly, as we are without any real top-notch action star since the glory days of Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Segal and Van Damme, Jason Statham delivers once again and in a remake of one of Stallone's first films.
More fanfare is given to Tyrese Gibson and Joan Allen, but I enjoyed seeing Deadwood's Al Swearengen himself, Ian McShane, and Brotherhood's Jason Clarke.
The plot of the movie is straightforward - After the US economy collapses in 2012, prisons are all privatized and the prisoners in the movie are involved in a Pay Per View event that is extremely popular, even more so by a disfigured driver, only known as Frankenstein (played by Statham.)
Understandably, with a name like Death Race, the movie is extremely violent and bloody. Watching the unrated version doesn't help much with that either...
That being said, the action was intense and very enjoyable. I understand that the theatrical version leaves out many plot elements key to the movie, as well as going as far to cut out dialog. As with most movies, the "unrated" or "director's cut" version in recommended to see the movie as intended.
Looking for an enjoyable time and not squeamish? Then check out Death Race when it hits DVD and Blu-Ray on December 21. Probably not worthy of a purchase unless you're a big fan of Statham or one of the other actors, or simply have money to burn, but is good for a quick rental.
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