Death Race

Courtesy of mPRm and Universal Studios, I received a review copy of Death Race on DVD.

In the near-future, prisons have begun airing live and lethal car races where inmates compete in hopes of eventually winning their freedom. When Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) is framed and convicted of killing his wife, he finds himself asked to participate in the death race. And he reluctantly agrees in hopes of seeing his daughter again.

Jason Statham already has a presence as an action hero, and he does a fantastic job as the tortured yet ruthless Ames. He’s determined to escape and get his daughter back, but not before exacting revenge on those that killed his wife and put him in prison. The supporting cast was equally dark and disturbing. Highlights were Joan Allen as the evil Warden Hennessey and Tyrese Gibson as Machine Gun Joe Mason.

Of course, this movie being called “Death Race” the movie revolves around car races to the death. And this is where most of the action lies. It’s non-stop, cringe-worthy action and violence that lives up to its name.

The plot may be a bit weak with over-the-top violence, but the suspense kept me thoroughly absorbed. I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would.