‘Death Race’ Provides what it Promised
-----‘Death Race’ looked like your typical gory, action-packed, Jason Statham racing vehicle, both figuratively and literally. It is. And thankfully for all of us, that formula still manages to provide ample entertainment for two hours. It’s nothing to write home about, but fans of the genre will definitely be pleased.
-----The film takes place in a modern, slightly futuristic depression. Struggling for work, Jensen Ames takes solace in his understanding wife. That’s when she’s killed. Framed for the murder, Ames is sent to a prison that makes money by televising prisoners who compete in death races for their freedom. Win five races and you’re out…yeah, right. No one’s ever won five, but a fan favorite known only as Frankenstein has just died, one race short of freedom. Ames is told he’ll have his freedom if he takes the place of the popular racer whose death has been covered up for the sake of ratings. Of course, getting to the finish line won’t be quite as easy as it sounds.
-----Jason Statham returns to the role of the calm and intense driver we’ve seen him in so many times. One part ‘Transporter’s Frank Martin, one part ‘Italian Job’s Handsome Rob, Statham has become arguably the most famous driver in movie history. His charisma and general screen presence keep this formulaic action frenzy above water. Joining him are Ian McShane as his wily old mechanic, and the beautiful Natalie Martinez as his navigator Elizabeth. Tyrese Gibson plays racing rival ‘Machine Gun’ Joe Mason, with Joan Allen rounding out the cast as evil corporate benefactor of the races, Warden Hennessey. All of the supporting actors and actresses do a good job of playing along and doing what we want to see them do; whether that’s being fatherly, good looking, fierce, or even just being fun to hate, they all do their respective parts effectively.
-----The action is at times a bit too typical of a film like this, although there is the occasional inspired moment. And there’s no denying the film’s willingness to go over the top with elaborate vehicular brawls. The cinematography is also filled with effective shot choices that at times do an excellent job of capturing the mayhem of the races the film is named after. And while the musical score among other aspects won’t be up for an Oscar anytime soon, would you really want them to be in a movie called ‘Death Race’? Following with the mood and integrity of the film, it does what many modern action epics don’t; it sticks to its’ guns. By doing this and never trying to abound to something that it’s not, ‘Death Race’ succeeds as the genre film it is; the genre of course being Jason Statham action movies with lots of stunt driving.
-----I think the people who would be interested in going to see a film called ‘Death Race’ will get what they paid for and be satisfied, and since that’s the case, anything else is just talk. If you don’t like gory over the top action, stay away. If you don’t like Statham, stay away. If you don’t like racing movies, stay away. If you love any of the above aspects, what are you waiting for? Go see it!
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