Jason Statham seems to be the go-to guy for silly action movies of late. Realizing he’s trapped, Ames has no choice but to race – though with the help of his dedicated crew of mechanics and his navigator Case (Natalie Martinez), he might just be able to find a way to exact revenge on those who wronged him.
When Frankenstein, the most infamous Death Race combatant, dies shortly after a competition, Hennessey frames driver Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) for murder and blackmails him into participating in the latest deathmatch – under the guise of the deceased Frankenstein. In the ever-present bid for more riotously bloodthirsty spectacles, notorious Terminal Island prison warden Hennessey (Joan Allen) creates Death Race, a three-part car-race for freedom, where the only rule is to stay alive. Greedy corporations control the system and stage live competitions to the death for entertainment. The year 2012 finds the United States’ economy collapsed, unemployment off the charts, and prisons filled to capacity. While an interesting commentary on America’s infatuation with violence lies buried beneath all the metal and mayhem, what is clearly exposed is a less interactive, R-rated “Mario Kart” for adults. But a heavy focus on visuals can’t overcome an extremely predictable storyline – one that abandons (or simply loses) most of the magic of Roger Corman’s 1975 exploitation classic. Anderson’s fondness for fast action and brutal violence. Anderson Actors: Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Martinez, Jason Clarke, Max Ryan, Robin Shou, Jacob Vargas EĪrdrum-shatteringly loud and expectedly rambunctious, 2008’s “Death Race” bears the distinct marks of director Paul W.S. Release Date: August 22nd, 2008 MPAA Rating: Rĭirector: Paul W.S.