Death Race, starring Jason Statham, Joan Allen, and Tyrese, is a "remake" of the film Death Race 2000 (1975). However, the 2008 version takes place on a prison island, pitting prisoners against each other in machine-gun equipped sports cars and pickup trucks in an attempt to earn ratings for the corporation (headed by Allen's character, Hennessey).

Death Race is an action film, which means it places a lot of the key features of story-telling to the side, including realism, continuity, story development, and just about anything that isn't explosions or car chases. It is not the next Oscar winner for best film, but it is an enjoyable experience if you know what you are getting into.

Where Death Race excels is in the explosions and crazy stunts performed by the drivers, each looking to kill each other and gain position in the hopes of winning their freedom. The plot twists are to be expected, including Stratham being framed for his wife's murder and then mysteriously being chosen to become the next death race driver, only to find out he was a former racing champion. The action sequences make up for the lack of intellectual points in the movie. The races are interesting and the explosions, crashes, and deaths are all unique, and a few even made me cringe. There is just enough of a break between the races to make you want more.

Death Race is enjoyable for what it is, no matter its flaws. If you like speed, explosions, guns, a few girls, and lots of gore, then Death Race is for you.