Movie Review: Death Race
Too bad all the good stuff was given away in the trailers
Photo: Universal Pictures
The problem with Death Race is that you have already seen the good stuff. Sold as a mindless and violent actioner, this film is nothing more than that and if you have already accepted it as such do yourself a favor and avoid anymore marketing before you head to the theater. This isn't a bad movie by any stretch, it serves its purpose and fills its genre role, but you have seen so many films similar to this that I can't really call this film anything more than average.
For those worried Death Race will in some way tarnish the legacy of the 1975 original, don't worry. If you can even classify Death Race 2000's existence as a "legacy" this will only bring it more attention as some folks may be interested to see what Sylvester Stallone looked like as he raced across country in a car race in which pedestrians are run down for points on the way to the finish line. Death Race circa 2008 doesn't even waste time with a point system, survive to the finish and do your best to win, that's all you need to worry about here. The kicker is that it takes place in prison.
The cast includes Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Natalie Martinez, Frederick Koehler and Jason Clarke. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"Death Race" is a Universal Pictures release, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and is rated R for strong violence and language.
The only acting note worth mentioning is the fact director Paul W.S. Anderson was somehow able to wrangle Joan Allen into his cast as queen bitch prison warden. The decision by Allen to take on such a role is shocking considering her resume and the fact that this film only really serves as a paycheck. It adds nothing to her filmography and she really doesn't add anything to the film considering her role is so generic and she is given nothing to work with.
Operating like a UFC cage match on steroids, where death is the final bell, Death Race is sure to drag in the WWE audience, but its general audience penetration is likely to be slim after the opening weekend. Violence alone just doesn't sell beyond opening weekend and the more studios giveaway all the good stuff in the previews the less likely audiences are going to continue to turn up considering all the surprises are already gone.
C
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