Watch Death Race
- R
- 2008
- 1 hr 44 min
-
6.4 (219,706)
In the year 2012, the economy has collapsed and the prisons have become overcrowded. The government sets up a pay-per-view program called "Death Race", in which convicted felons race across the country in high-speed, heavily armed vehicles to gain their freedom. The movie follows Jensen Ames (Jason Statham), a former race car driver who is framed for his wife's murder and sent to prison. Ames is approached by the prison's warden, Hennessey (Joan Allen), who offers him a chance to compete in the Death Race in exchange for his release.
Ames initially refuses, but after he is attacked by a group of prisoners in the prison yard, he changes his mind and agrees to participate. Hennessey gives Ames a specially designed car, called "Frankenstein", which is equipped with machine guns, rockets, and other weapons.
The Death Race begins, and Ames quickly proves himself to be a skilled driver and fighter. He forms an alliance with a fellow racer named Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson), and together they take on the other contestants, including Pachenko (Max Ryan), the leader of a group of Nazi racers, and Travis Colt (Justin Mader), a religious fanatic.
As the race progresses, Hennessey becomes increasingly ruthless, manipulating the race to boost ratings and eliminate contestants who are not performing well. She also reveals to Ames that his wife's death may have been part of a larger conspiracy, and offers to help him uncover the truth if he wins the race.
Ames and Joe continue to fight their way to the front of the pack, facing numerous obstacles and hazards along the way. They also encounter a resistance group led by a woman named Case (Natalie Martinez), who provide them with support and information about the race.
As the final leg of the race approaches, Ames begins to suspect that Hennessey has not been completely honest with him, and that winning the race may not be enough to secure his freedom. He must decide whether to trust Hennessey and continue racing, or to take matters into his own hands and expose the truth.
Death Race is a high-octane action thriller, filled with intense car chases, explosions, and brutal fights. The movie explores themes of redemption, vengeance, and the corrupting influence of power. It features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Statham, who brings his signature blend of toughness and vulnerability to the role of Ames. The movie also offers a scathing critique of the media and its appetite for violence and spectacle.
Death Race is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 43.