Review of film: “DEATH RACE” -- Machines, Mayhem, Murder & More

Review of film:   “DEATH RACE”  --  Machines, Mayhem, Murder & More =   

                 [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ]

Date Rated: Sep 3, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 22, 2008 =

This new version of the original 1975 Roger Corman film stars JASON STRATHAM as the “hero” who’s framed by a powerful prison warden (JOAN ALLEN) to join her highly-rated “Death Race” TV show...


...  He’s assisted by a car-building coach (IAN McSHANE) and a sometimes-reliable aide NATALIE MARTINEZ as he competes against fellow con TYRESE GIBSON and various other vicious jailbirds who are desperately trying to stay alive by winning the competition...


...  Nobody plays very fair, everybody’s out to win (one way or another, whatever blood-letting exploits it takes), and you thus have an almost constant stream of tension-filled action...


...  The weapon-packed armored vehicles are almost stars in themselves, and the film is an enjoyable thrill ride of continuous confrontations...


...  Yes, it’s often over-the-top, but it’s MEANT to be, & is well-done and EFFECTIVE in what it attempts.