Death Race

This is the newest film by Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Jason Statham, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson and Joan Allen. It is a loose remake of the 1975 cult classic "Death Race 2000" starring David Carradine and Sly Stallone.

Some time in the future humanity has found a new kind of entertainment – the Death Race. This race is hosted by the warden of the Terminal Island prison, like a modern day Alcatraz, just much, much bigger. Jenesn Ames is framed for the murder of his wife, and is forced to replace the legendary masked driver Frank aka Frankenstein, who has won 4 races already. If a racer wins 5, he goes free. But, the Death Race lives up to its name. It’s not just about being first, it’s also about surviving.

This film is one of the simplest kind – pure action, right from the very first scene. The story is cliché, and the script is an endless torrent of one-liners (which I don't mind a bit since when they're delivered by a badass such as Jason Statham). The action is ever present, there is not a trace of character development to slow it down. Cars, guns, explosions, hot chicks, fast chases and lots of great special effects.

I don’t know about you, but that is all I need. Even Stephen King listed it on his "Top 10 Movies of 2008". Nuff said.

Rating: 8/10

- review by Ventilation Shaft