Movie Review: Death Race

Rules are made to be broken and freshly minted Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) has got his work cut out for him. Separated from his wife and baby daughter, this hard working blue collar guy just can’t seem to get a break. Bad luck sees him hauled off to jail. Forget about passing Go and collecting $100. Once sent to Terminal Island, our mile mannered man gets put to the test when he is “enrolled” in a rather unique prison program.

Rehabilitation in this all male corrections facility consists of a select few being given the green light to participate in a road race. Nine convicts are weeded out and these macho men get behind the wheels in a no holds barred prison sanctioned rally. Only this car chase is rather rigged. Drivers literally are in a battle for their lives as they’re told win five races and you get to go free. Under the watchful eyes of compliant guards and a very eager warden let’s just say that this three stage race gets bolder and bloodier by each lap.

Women’s equality takes on a whole new meaning as the warden of this prison is a stylish lady named Hennessey. Ice ladies have nothing on Joan Allen (The Bourne Identity) who just sizzles as the mean-spirited organizer of this fight to the death (on wheels). Inspired by the classic 70s flick from horror pioneer Roger Corman this updated version comes across as a Fast and The Furious installment set behind bars.

Steady as he goes Jason Statham is full value as the guy set up and put to the test to take on a series of maniacal criminals.