I’m not one for action films. In fact, I don’t tend to watch them unless there is at least one of my two criteria involved: nice cars and cute boys. So it’s not too surprising that when Death Race came out, I figured I’d give the film a try, though my expectations of the movie itself weren’t very high to begin with.
Death Race takes place a little into the future of the United States, where mankind has reverted back to the age of gladiators in ancient Rome. The big difference between the years 2012 and 80 AD, however, is that the “gladiators” are prison inmates competing for their freedom. Oh, and instead of chariots, the inmates use cars with large weapons.
Amidst this future world is Jensen Ames (Jason Statham), a man who loses his job and is later framed for the murder of his wife. Ames is sent to Terminal Island Prison, where he meets the prison warden and mastermind behind the Death Race, Hennessey (Joan Allen). Hennessey, in search for a replacement of one of her best drivers, manipulates Ames—who had once been famed for his racing career—to take on the name of the prison’s legendary Frankenstein (the previous one had died days before on the operating table) and to participate in her race. In exchange for one victory, Hennessey would award Ames his freedom.
The race itself isn’t very hard to follow. When the competition begins, all of Terminal Island becomes a racing ground for the drivers fighting for their freedom. There are three stages in all, and with skill and luck the drivers can come out of the race alive. In addition to the obstacles found on the race course, the competitors are pitted against each other, with the losers highly likely to forfeit their lives in attempt.
Viewers outside of Terminal Island then buy subscriptions to watch the three stages of the Death Race—the total amounting to $250. To make matters worse, Hennessey throws in extra curve balls for the drivers just to make the race interesting—and to obtain higher ratings.
Other than the stunning special effects and the amusing exchanges in dialogue between the characters, the action film is pretty much just that: an action film. Death Race attempts at a plot to keep some sort of cohesion, but there was almost no point, as the story gets lost in all the racing and fight scenes involved. The early scenes with Ames’ co-workers getting laid off and fighting for their final paychecks were pointless. Additionally, there was hardly any background information regarding the former Frankenstein and Ames’ past racing career; most were mentioned in passing.
Not all is lost in the action, however. Though more somber and more intense than his “Handsome Rob” character in The Italian Job, Statham plays a decent Ames; he pulls off a quiet and rather dangerous character. Meanwhile, Tyrese Gibson holds his own as “Machine Gun” Joe, Ames’ main cutthroat competitor. An actor to note for her exemplary portrayal of a hardened and greedy warden is Allen. She exudes a poised and calculating nature, and makes the character of Hennessey someone both to admire and to hate. It is certainly entertaining to watch her character go from politesse and elegance to one of a raving madwoman with her fair share of profanities.
If you’re looking for high-end action, armored cars, and some eye candy, then it’s recommended that you try Death Race. Just don’t expect to get more than the special effects and explosions that the film has to offer; else you’d be sorely disappointed. If you’re not up for the formulaic action film, then I suggest you steer clear of Death Race and go watch something more meaningful.
