To say that Jason Statham is a bonafied action star would be a huge overstatement. Sure the man has produced hits with Transporter, Italian Job and Bank Job, but the bulked actor has also produced some major garbage in Transporter 2, Crank and In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale. Thankfully, this film is not the sequel to either Transporter 2 or Crank "“ both of which can be expected within the next twelve months. Instead, we are greeted with Death Race, a film that lacks in dialogue but more than compensates in action, helping create one of Statham's most electric, crowd-pleasing roles thus far.
Jason Statham plays Jensen Ames, a man who works hard to survive the pitiful conditions that have become our country. Just when he thinks things are becoming better, the ex-con is framed for a violent murder that he did not commit. Now, Ames is being forced to don the mast of Frankenstein, a mythical driver and audience favorite who seems impossible to kill on the racetrack at the infamous Terminal Island. The perk, Frankenstein has already won four of the five needed races. One victory and Ames is a free man. However, things aren't always as easy as they seem. As clues begin to surface, Ames begins to realize that his stay in Terminal Island was a little too convenient for its warden, played by Joan Allen. So now, in order to earn the freedom that he should already have, Ames must drive a monster car rigged with machine guns, flamethrowers and oil launcher as he attempts to destroy everything in his path and win the most twisted and unique sport on Earth.
If that doesn't get your blood pumping, then I have no idea what will.
Starting quick out of the gate, Death Race takes no time in introducing the high-speed, fast-paced world of prison racing. Sitting in with Frankenstein and his navigator, those watching get to see what it is all about. There are no rules, no restrictions and no losers. Ultimately, it is a kill or be killed atmosphere that so many prisons thrive on; that and the possibility that their escape from the confines of the prison could be legal.
Then, just as quickly, the action comes to a smashing halt as we are introduced to Ames. Plagued by the work conditions that have taken over the US, Ames and his family are barely surviving. However, food and clothing quickly become a luxury when he is framed for a gruesome murder and sentenced to the confines of Terminal Island. From there, the action heats up and stays hot until the final credits role.
Sadly, it is the action that allows this film to survive its short running time of only 89 minutes. The high speed chases, the clever situations and the unexpected adrenaline that encompasses your body while watching is uncontrollable. Because of this, the film thrives on its fast-paced speed and high octane energy, and for many that will be enough.
But for others, they will want to see a clever story, some good acting and a worthwhile conclusion; thankfully, all are present, just not in abundance.
Led by Jason Statham and Joan Allen, Death Race features two stellar performances from its leads. While both carry the stern, serious, don't-mess-with-me attitude, it was their ability to interact with the other stars that allowed them to shine through. You believed them both to be their characters, and quickly forgot that either was 'playing' an actual part. However, these two are as deep as the talent pool goes, making for a disappointing cast when put into perspective.
However, I must say that while the lead performances were strong, the dialogue was not. Handicapped by cheesy lines and comical interludes, the dialogue didn't sound like it was coming from a convict or a warden, but rather a stand-up comedian who was trying to make everything sound witty and intelligent.
Luckily, audience members are greeted with a complete story that is both innovative and fun, as well as a sharp and unique conclusion that is sure to entertain to the end. From the discovery of his set-up to the tribulation of his escape, the film is intense, fun and devilishly addicting, ultimately providing for the perfect end-of-summer guy film.
