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I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The publicity for it didn't really scream "must see". When I showed up in the theater on the first Friday after opening there was 3 other people in the theater with me, so needless to say I wondered what I was in for. I am glad to say I was in for one heck of a thrill ride. Joan Allen does an excellent job in her role as the Warden, she is the person you love to hate. Jason Statham plays his usual tough guy role, but as the movie goes on you begin to see that there is more there than the tough exterior. I loved Ian McShane in the HBO series Deadwood, and his performance in this movie doesn't disappoint either. Tyrese Gibson does a great job portraying the guy you want to hate, but something about him makes you not able to.
The story starts off in 2012 and the economy is tanking. Crime is at an all time high, Federal run Correctional Facilities are bursting at the seems, so private run institutions are formed to accommodate the need. These institutions raise money by holding various events that are broadcast on TV, one such event is Death Race. Warden Hennessey (Joan Allen) formed the Race to grab ratings and advertising cash after viewers started getting bored with boxing and gladiator fights other institutions had started. Death Race is a 3 stage Race with Cars built and driven by inmates. The cars are equipped with both offensive weapons and defensive weapons. Which are activated and deactivated at the flick of a switch so Hennessey has total control. Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) is an ex-race car driver turned still mill worker who is just trying to provide for his wife and daughter. After his wife is found dead and he is found laying next to her with a bloody knife in his hand he is sent to Hennesseys institution and invited to drive in the Death Race. This is where he meets Coach (Ian McShane) who built the car he is to race in. Win 5 races and you are set free. Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson) has won 3 races and is not about to let Ames get in his way of freedom.
The movie carries a R rating for language and gore. There is no nudity or sex in the film.
As I stated before, this movie surprised me with how well it was written and how well it stuck to the plot and never left you saying to yourself "c'mon get on with the show already."
I am giving it a 7.5 out of 10.
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