Death Race
Death Race
Starring - Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Martinez
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
A bizarre yet wonderfully put together creation, Death Race is all about a far fetched vision of the future. The US economy has collapsed, and private companies have taken over prisons. One such leading businesswoman, Hennessey (Joan Allen) has created the 'Death Race.' A car race to the death which has become and online phenomonon. A prisoner must win 5 races to gain his freedom, and people can pay online to watch from whatever vantage point they wish.
Jenen Ames (Jason Statham) is a family man trying to do the best he can in the difficult circumstances. However, when his wife dies and he is framed for murder, he finds himself sentenced to Hennessey's prison. Frankenstein, one of the key player sin the Death race died in the previous race. He wears a mask however, so anyone can play his role. The public are told Frankenstien did not die but was just seriously injured. Ames is given the chance to become Frankenstien for the big return. Ames had preivous racing experience, he realises he has been set up, but agrees to play the role of Franknstein, whose big return is a huge money spinner for Hennessey.
With the help of coach (Ian McShane) he must go head to head with Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson), Pachenko (Max Ryan) and a number of others. He realises Pachenko is his wife's killer. Through three stages Ames must survive and win the race to gain his freedom, with the odds stacked against him and Hennessey doing everything to try and stop him, he finds an unlikely ally to make a bid for freedom, someone he has more in coomon with than they both realise at the beginning.
This film has a wealth of action, car chases, violence, twists and turns. Greta one liners along the way too. Allen does a great job as the cold, sexy yet ruthless prison owner, McShane does a fine turn as the wise head being Ames bid for freedom. The story is simple, the idea not immersed in detail. If you can handle the obvious violence, it's fun and does not take itself too seriously. It delivers all the action it promises. A well put together effort in a totally unrealsitic environment.
MOON OF LIBERTY VERDICT - RATING 'B+' - A very enjoyable couple of hours of escapism. Helped along by Allen's deliciously horrid portrayal of an irresistable woman you still want to see get what's coming to her.
