by Wayne Reeves

Created on: October 12, 2009

Born from a decaying social and economic society, it is the death races that are the world-wide internet sensation of the future. Technically a remake - this 'Death Race' movie bears little resemblance to original director Roger Corman's 1975 Cult 'Death Race 2000'.

The vision of writer/director Paul W.S Anderson is a bleak one - the prisons are run by private corporations that can make money any way the see fit - and one such prison is 'Terminal Island'. After the declining interest in the brutality of cage fights, the Island has turned into a macabre location for to-the-death series of destructive and deadly car races.

Racing is streamed to the subscribing fans via the internet with millions and millions of blood-thirsty viewers eager to see their 'heroes' (prisoners) in action. The ultimate goal of the participants is to survive and win five races and secure their release from prison.

Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) is a former race-driver that has fallen on hard-times, losing his job and then being framed for his wife's murder - sent to Terminal Island. It is no coincidence that he is there, Warden Hennessey (Joan Allen) has brought Ames in to take on the persona of the legendary 'Frankenstein' - recently killed in a race (known only by a chosen few) but still a fan-favourite to the online generation. Determined to keep the myth alive Ames becomes 'Frankenstein' (through coercion) during races.

With actual races split over three stages - the Hennessey character manipulates the races to give the viewers what they want - in a sense fixing the races to her satisfaction. Stage two is a perfect example of swaying the odds in her favour - you need to see it to believe it!

'Death Race' concentrates on what it does best - the action. The story seems a passing interest where the good guys are good and bad guys just bad. Statham is his usual single-minded character (almost stoic at times) that is unwavering in his efforts to leave Terminal Island. Ian McShane plays coach - a criminal that has decided to stay at Terminal Island because the world doesn't have a place for him (and oversees Ames' pit crew). Tyrese Gibson is 'Machine gun' Joe - Frankenstein's rival and two wins away from apparent freedom.

There isn't much time given over to character development - we don't need to know too much about the motivations of all concerned - it really is all about Ames' journey through the process (if no one else). He takes it personal (as you'd expect) and gradually you pull for the guy to come through it all in one piece (which many don't).

As a twisted version of films like 'The Fast and the Furious' this works extremely well - the car scenes are handled well - the weapons are deliciously vibrant and a touch exaggerated - emphasising the voyeuristic nature of what you and the streaming audience must be yearning to see. The film is really a blood-and-guts three-stage race with some story around it - it doesn't set out to question the ethics or moral fibre of society - you just get some high-speed thrills in a very slick package designed to keep you entertained throughout.

In a different league to the original 70's effort - this ultra-modern machine of a movie - at the start-line, has all its weapons primed, armour in place and waiting for the green light!

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