There was a time when I would watch pretty much anything that Jason Statham was in and that is not just because I was a body double for him in a scene in Mechanic: Resurrection. There is just something about his particular brand of action that really appeals to me. That being said, Death Race is pretty bad unless you are watching it for its horrible-ness.

[source](https://www.cheaplightning.com/wp-content/uploads/imported/4/84/Death-Race-Statham-Japan-Movie-Poster-Chirashi-C293-160634542084.jpg)

The plot goes like this: The world has been sunk into an economic collapse and the United States is not an exception. Prisons have been privatized because the government cannot afford the cost. In order to make these prisons profitable they have a gladiator show of sorts but involving cars in a "Death Race." The winner of said race wins their freedom.

[source](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--MkYAJtDU--/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/18s110mu8c7wsjpg.jpg)

Jason Statham plays the role of Jensen Ames, a guy who works in a steel plant that is shut down and now he has to worry, like everyone else, about how he is going to get money. When he arrives back home after being laid off, he is attacked by unknown assailants and his wife and child are killed. Of course it gets pinned on him so he can go to prison and eventually participate in the Death Race.

The funny thing about Jensen, is that he is meant to be American. So American in fact that he is an ex NASCAR driver - yet his English accent is fully intact. I can't help but feel as though the director and producers were intentionally releasing this movie to be as "camp" as possible (camp is British slang meaning something is entertaining because it is unoriginal, uninventive, or intentionally over-the-top.)

[source](http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/9200000/Death-Race-1-death-race-9279591-1500-1000.jpg)

The vehicles that these prisoners have access to are ridiculous. All of them are outfitted with machine guns and other such things like flamethrowers that of course you would allow hardened criminals to have access to. They are allowed to customize them in any way they see fit. The track is also outfitted with various traps to make the course more difficult.

Oh, and some women get sent over from the wahmen's prison and of course they are all super-hot and wearing next to nothing. Gillette would be proud.

Basically there is really only one reason to watch this movie: Because Fast and Furious didn't have enough guns in it for your taste. If you approach this film understanding that it is not to be taken seriously and it is intentionally bad then I think you will have a good time. If you are expecting any sort of cinematic gem, you will be disappointed. The film made a little bit of money (in Hollywood terms) but is suppose it was enough because there are 2 sequels - the 3rd of which went straight to DVD.