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7 out of 10
In the not too distant future Death Race is the number one rated programme in America. Set over three torturous days, convicts race against one another until they are the last man driving. Win and they are one step closer to freedom. Lose and there is no second chance. When warden Hennessey's (Allen) star driver Frankenstein gets injured she frames former NASCAR driver Jensen Ames (Statham) for murder in order to fill the void. Reluctant to race, Hennessey offers Ames a simple proposition: win and you go free.
There was once a time when action stars ruled the world. Willis, Stallone and Schwarzenegger roamed freely, conquering hostile forces and causing more carnage than a five year old on Red Bull. But these beasts soon grew old and although they still showed traces of their former glories they eventually became extinct and superseded by inferior species: until now. As if created in John Hammond's Jurassic Park facility, a being has arrived that embodies the charisma of Willis, the physique of Stallone and the presence of Schwarzenegger. Step forward Jason Statham. Though this is not the first time Statham has taken on leading man duties; establishing himself in the Transporter series before excelling in Crank, it is an opportunity for him to further cement his status as action's go to guy.
Where Paul Bartel's Death Race 2000 took place on the point scoring pedestrian filled streets, Anderson's reimagining has been moved to a penitentiary playground, where Mario Kart-esqe power ups activate an arsenal of artillery for the cons to cause carnage. Forget the slogan 'Speed Kills'; here everything kills. Special effects are kept to a minimum; Anderson preferring to let his hardened cast and stunt team earn their money by causing more destruction than an episode of America's Dumbest Drivers 6. The change in location also justifies the mortality rate; the inmates' demise generating laughter rather than shock.
Though the action is the movie's major draw, the acting cannot be ignored. Jason Statham oozes machismo; his thuggish appeal, brutish physique and gravel toned voice both frightening and flippant. To see Joan Allen in such popcorn fare may surprise many but this is nothing compared to hearing her bellow profanities, while Ian McShane is suited to the role of the insightful Coach.
Anderson's recent efforts have come in for some deserved criticism but Death Race could be the turning point. A mixture of Speed Racer and The Running Man, the amalgamation of action, one-liners and eye candy-for-all makes it an enjoyable, thought-free experience.
Movie Website: www.deathracemovie.net
Cast List:
Jensen Ames: Jason Statham
Hennessey: Joan Allen
Coach: Ian McShane
Machine Gun Joe: Tyrese Gibson
Elizabeth Case: Natalie Martinez
Tracklist:
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