Review of Death Race (2008) by Thomas C — 28 May 2013

Sitting comfortably somewhere between 'The Fast and Furious' and 'The Hunger Games', lies a movie so over-the-top, and incredibly ridiculous, that it actually conveys a narrative that works; 'Death Race'. Directed by Paul W.S Anderson - a man, who has on very few occasions created some meaningful, and therefore thoroughly enjoyable, films. 'Death Race' is a full-on movie that prominently features carnage on wheels as its main selling point. With sequences that showcase many a males wildest imaginations; car racers delivered at high speed, action set pieces that take in both weapon use as well as grit and muscle, the use of girls in various prose that aim to enhance viewer attention as well as plenty of gore, 'Death Race' is a film that is completely not held back in its execution.

A remake - or, as the director likes to have it known, prequel - to the classic film 'Death Race 2000', this film features high end action stars, well choreographed race and action sequences as well as a no-thinker of a plot - for the times where thinking is just not wanted when watching a film. Motor heads, and fans of similar movies, will find enough here to keep a high engrossment level throughout - with all others viewers not quite finding the characters and plot holding enough to keep them through to the end. A mix bag of a film then, but one that more than justifies at least an attempt to being watched.

In a parallel timeframe, the year 2012 has seen the economy fall to an all time low. Unemployment is at its highest, as with crime. With the sharp increase of criminals taking a toll on society, private prisons are created with a sole aim to garner profit from its inmates. One such prison, 'Terminal Island Penitentiary', has formed an idea that will bring in high attendance figures - and therefore a major amount of income - described as Death-race. Pitching inmates against one another in, an all out fight to the death, race - which is then broadcast over the internet to audiences worldwide - the activity has become, an instant success. With many of the competitors having become famous in undertaking these dangerous vehicular derbies, none more so than a man known only as Frankenstein, a man who is also only one win away from obtaining his freedom (awarded as the prize after winning 5 races).

However, when an accident kills the driver on his last race, a new Frankenstein must be created, in order to amass the high level following that the mask brings in. With this forming a need to conspire against, and frame, a steelworker, Jensen Ames, into being convicted into the prison. The founder of this activity, Warden Hennessy (Joan Allen), believes to have found the most organic method to prolonging the career of her high demand death race star. When Jensen, however learns the truth behind the reasons he is placed there, as well as finding those responsible for the death of his wife, he craves for further answers and revenge. Delving into the conspiracy of the prison, he begins to understand the lies that surround this most popular of sports. Gaining enemies in the most dangerous of environments, death seemingly awaits him on the track, as well as outside of it. Using his driving skills, and intelligence, the unfairly incarcerated inmate may well escape the hell-hole in which he resides, as well as bring a true justice to those who murdered his wife.

'Death Race' is a fun movie throughout, just how fun really lies with those who are watching it. Over-the-top and extremely bloody, the deaths of characters included within this feature will bring about multiple winces from its audience, done to the manner in which they are most effective. Evidently happy to remain a movie that is in no need of real concentration, this film conveys a rather simple narrative that is placed into an exciting anchor of set pieces. Some acting is wooden from those portraying the roles, but most are not - with many characters becoming more interesting the longer the film plays out. Featuring stand out car based scenarios, and a highly intensive action based plot, 'Death race' is found to be exciting throughout. B.