'Death Race' review

"Death Race" (Credit: Universal)

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After he's framed for murder, former racing star Jensen (Jason Statham) seeks revenge on the guy who killed his wife while also competing in violent races against other prisoners (including Tyrese Gibson), with freedom going to the man who wins five matches. It's broadcast to millions on the Internet, thanks to a cold-hearted businesswoman (Joan Allen, who does a lot of squinting and couldn't be less intimidating).

Big question: Does writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson ("Alien vs. Predator"), helming this near-futuristic update of 1975's awful exploitation flick "Death Race 2000" (but ditching the concept of killing civilians for points), realize that the original was, at least partially, meant to be a satire?

Skip it: Not only does "Death Race" recycle much of Arnold Schwarzenegger's "The Running Man" and 2007's horrible Steve Austin vehicle "The Condemned," but it doesn't even offer a character who thinks killing cops or broadcasting violence online is wrong. The movie just crunches metal, squishes drivers' heads like oranges and assumes the viewers in our current society are as blood-thirsty as the ones onscreen. Are they?

Catch it: If you enjoy action and hot babes no matter what, even though Anderson generates no excitement from the crashes and this "Death Race" doesn't share the original's penchant for gratuitous nudity. Basically, this is a guy movie for guys whose only turn-on is death.

Bottom line: No more needs to be said about Statham as an "actor," but it's worth noting that "Death Race" seems less like a movie than a two-hour party to celebrate the hiring of a stunt team. Boasting a message that revenge is a dish best served loud and without hesitation, it's the only movie this year whose vileness rivals Paris Hilton's "The Hottie and the Nottie." Kudos.

Bonus: The movie predicts the economy won't collapse until 2012. What a relief!

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