Review of Death Race 2000 (1975) by Sean L — 05 Mar 2012

Set in the (then) distant future, this mindless '70s action trashbag follows a corny, take-no-prisoners cross country sports car race that's earned a passionate, dedicated global viewership. In this morally lax futuristic derby, deception is expected, quirky charms are celebrated and pedestrian roadkill is rewarded; the only rule being finish first no matter the cost.

When Peter Fonda turned down this leading role, he dubbed it "too ridiculous for words," and I can't find it in me to muster a more accurate description of the plot. In Fonda's place as the arrogant, bloodthirsty racetrack legend is David Carradine (fresh off his lengthy tenure on Kung Fu), with a very young pre-Rocky Sylvester Stallone as his primary foil.

Carradine is a fish out of water trying to play it straight, while Stallone embraces the cheese and comes off as the much better fit. Incredibly stupid fare with awful effects, a paper-thin plot and a sado-masochistic Halloween enthusiast's wardrobe, it's precisely what the artwork promises: a big, idiotic, head-shaking joyride.