Yeah, I’ll admit it, I am a Jason Stratham fan since his work in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. While not the best actor in Hollywood I feel he brings a definite “bad ass” look and “bad boy” sex appeal to the big screen. Having that British accent is a plus as well. In Death Race he plays ex-con, Jensen Ames, framed for murder and now imprisoned on Terminal Island and forced to “race to the death” in order to gain his freedom.

Set fours years from now, in 2012, it is interesting to see a reality TV type approach to the movie. “Subscribe to the first leg of Death Race now for only $99…” The streaming video, as well as the approach of multiple camera approach, such as NASCAR uses was a rather interesting addition to the film. Since there is a reality show for damn near everything these days, Paul W.S. Anderson does a good job on the script and bringing the action to life.

Ames is pitted against another inmate, Machine Gun Joe Mason, as well as personal vendetta against Warden Hennessey. Ames is forced to play the part of the driver known as “Frankenstein” because he hides his appearance behind a thick mask due to the disfigurement of his face from previous crashes.

Each “team” has their own crew who builds and maintains the machines for the three legs of teh Death Race, given their driver survives each leg. Ames has Golden Globe Winner, Ian McShane as Coach, who heads up the pit crew, as well as inmates known as “Gunner” and “Lists.” His navigator is a convict from the woman’s prison known as Case, played by a newcomer named, Natalie Martinez. Explosions. Fast cars. Hot women. Who could ask for more in a movie?

The racing scenes are worth the rental, even if the story might hold the attention span of some moviegoers. The cars involved in Death Race include a 2005 Ford Mustang GT, 2004 Dodge Ram 1500, 1987 Porsche 911, 1991 Jaguar XJS, 2006 Chrysler 300c, 1972 Boattail Riviera, 1978 Trans-Am and 1992 735 BMW. Of course these vehicles are modified with offensive and defensive weapons. These weapons are only activated during the course of the race the the “Shields & Swords” are activated by the Warden and a vehicle drives over the associated symbol on the race course.

Thought out most of the move, Ames is the underdog but must play nice with the Warden in order to grant his freedom. The Warden has other plans, as she is working on keeping the legend of the driver known as Frankenstein alive. But from the beginning you know Jason Stratham’s character would not fail and in the end would be granted his “freedom.”

Overall, I was rather impressed with the entire movie. Character development was a bit shallow on some characters, but when the film comes to involve on a few individuals there was really no need to develop secondary characters. For example, “Lists” what the hell was he in for? He is the technical geek on Ames’s pit crew, but you don’t know much about him.

So, if you are looking for a fast paced, action packed movie with all those things that makes a guy movie a guy movie (fast cars, explosions and hot women) then definite rent Death Race. You won’t be disappointed. This is a true thrill a minute. “Get ready for a killer ride.”