Death Race

Years ago we were graced with an interesting if odd little movie called Death Race 2000. It's not one of my favorites, but then, I haven't seen it in quite some time. Maybe it's actually better than I remember.

In 2008, we were graced with an interesting if action-packed big movie called Death Race. If you're a Jason Statham fan, you'll like this movie.

In the original 1975 version, the race was a cross-country affair where the contestants actually earned points for running down pedestrians. (Wonder if the creators of the Grand Theft Auto video games were fans of this movie.) The main driver decides it's probably a wrong thing to do...an attack of conscience I reckon.

The Jason Statham vehicle (pun not intended - entirely) is a bit different and has a much bigger budget. Statham is framed for the death of his wife and ends up in prison where the warden (Joan Allen) runs a very popular auto race viewed by millions of Americans - an escape from their desolate lives of economic upheaval and unemployment. Competitors (inmates sentenced to life) die regularly, as that is the main goal of the race - kill as many as possible. Anyone who wins 5 races, and survives of course, is given a full pardon.

This movie is full of action, and a small bit of a plot in which Jason Statham wants to get the heck out of prison and be reunited with his daughter. I have to say, if you like his other movies, you'll like this one was well. Statham is the king of action movies right now, and this is another jewel in his crown.

Yes, there is a plot, albeit a small one. If you're looking for a big thought-provoking movie, watch something else. If you're looking for gratuitous violence and mayhem, check this one out.

Besides Allen and Statham, this movie costars Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson and a host of others you will probably recognize but not really remember where you know them from. Also, listen closely to the voice of the driver Frankenstein at the beginning. David Carradine played the racer Frankenstein in the original Death Race 2000 and he provides the voice here.

Small plot, lots of action - a good way to just kill some time.