Iffy for 16+
Violent action remake races to a high body count.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie is a non-stop series of graphic, violent action scenes, with lots of blood and some gore. Although it's based on '70s exploitation film Death Race 2000, this movie forgoes the original film's over-the-top satire in favor of even more-over-the-top action. The film's authority figures -- a prison warden and her guards -- are uniformly depicted as corrupt, brutish, money-hungry thugs. The main character is in prison for killing his wife, which he didn't do; at the same time, he racks up a substantial body count throughout the film in his quest for vengeance. Also expect plenty of strong language, plenty of car-related product placement, and some drinking and smoking.
- Families can talk about the idea of the Death Race itself -- what point does violent entertainment stop being entertaining? Is the idea of a live, pay-per-view to-the-death gladiatorial event ludicrous or unnervingly ahead of its time? Families can also discuss the cultural history of gladiatorial games, from the Roman Empire's death matches to more "civilized" events like mixed martial arts today. What's so compelling about watching people fight?
The good stuff
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Messages: The titular "Death Race" is a media event conducted from prison by a private corporation; the film's near-future setting involves an economic recession that's put millions out of work. A lead character is unjustly sentenced for the death of his wife, though he has a prior criminal record. authority figures are depicted as corrupt thugs. A disclaimer after the film states that viewers should not "duplicate any action, driving, or car play" they've just seen.
What to watch for
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Violence: Constant graphic action, including shooting, fistfights, stabbings, people being beaten with truncheons, explosions, car crashes, Tasering, pepper spraying, head-butts, a character slashing himself with a razor blade, a character being strangled with a length of chain, and more. Several grisly demises are witnessed on screen, including a bare-handed neck-breaking, a character being struck by a car, a character being hurled from a moving car, a character being burned alive, a character's vehicle being struck by a tank shell, a speeding car being impaled on spikes, a female character being mangled by wheel-spikes cutting through the side of a car and her body, and much more.
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Sex: Passionate kissing in a committed relationship; ogling of women who are wearing tight/low-cut outfits. Some discussion of a character's homosexuality.
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Language: Strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "ass," "c--k," "c--ksucker," "homo," "faggot," "bitch," "bulls--t," "t---y," "damn," and more. The "N" word is used repeatedly in a song on the soundtrack.
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Consumerism: Extensive mention and on-screen presence of car-related brands, including Ford Mustang, Dodge Ram, BMW, Porsche, Mopar, NASCAR, NOS nitrous oxide systems, NASCAR, and more; Pabst Blue Ribbon beer is seen on screen, with the label in close-up.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A character drinks a beer; characters smoke.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Death Race...Not a Disgrace! by sweetivylyn
Wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but decided to go to the 1st show at 10:00Am; there were 5 people total including myself; for some reason a man and a woman who had come in together left after 20 minutes; no clue why since the action hadn't really started yet;
The thing I liked most about this film were the stunts! It's been a while since a halfway decent action flick has been out and if action is what you're looking for, then by all means go see it!
The premise is it's now 2012 and all the prison systems are under private control; the goal is to make as much money as they can by televising "Death Races"; by kicking it up a notch after each race, they're making tons of money;
Won't give away anything else except that it's pretty much a guy movie, there are some truly spectacular stunts and there are at least 2 instances where I was slightly horrified;
The acting is OK, but nothing to write home about but I was satisfied and didn't feel like I was ripped off;
4
Jason was grest by mabandit
Statham was good and Gibson was a fitting supporting actor. Id had action and had a good storyline to go with it. I would recommend seeing this movie.
5
Very GOOD!!! by SADDY82
I went to go see this movie with my husband, I really didn't want to go see it, but I was wrong the movie was great. It was action packed, with a little bit of comedy which made up for us not seeing "The House Bunny" lol! Jason Statham as always great acting the other actors were good as well. I liked Joan Allen as a villan very interesting...Tyrese it was just like watching him in 2 fast 2 furious again...
5
Death Race.... by my_bologna2
I did not want to go see this movie it looked so stupid, but my boyfriend made me. I loved it. I dont know why it was just great and I want to buy it now! I recommend it!!!
5
Love, Love, Loved It by Missmeg381
Fantastic movie and a must see if you are into action films. I like that it isn't a story that has been told over and over agin. If you liked The Fast and the Furious movies you'll love Death Race too. Stratham gives and excellent performance.
5
Will make you race your car after watching .. by KenRmaster
Jason Statham does his thing in this joint .. the action is fast pace and starts from the credits so I was hooked ... Tyreese does a good job in this one too he doesn't come off fake or wack like he might sometimes and both of they're characters mend well and gives the movie a great rivalry ..... all I got to say is the action was crazy hot and this movie is for people who love Blood & Violence ( like do ) so go if you want some serious action and it might be something you saw before but now like this .... not at all .. enjoy ...
5
AWESOME ACTION MOVIE!! by movie_fanatic10
Death Race is absolutely GREAT!!! i loved every minute of it. there wasn't a moment in this movie that i thought was boring. Every cast member did a great performance. I though Natalie Martinez was HOT!! =]
It had a lot of action from beginning to end!
5
Death race by ef9boy88
Excelent movie, if you liked Jason Stathem's other movies you will deffenitely love this one. It is fast pased, and full of action, brings back memories of Twisted Metal games from Playstation. Fast cars Beautiful women and lots of destruction and Mayhem. Movie is a bit gory, but entertaining none the less.
5
Death Race by opkcoqui3
Pure action from start to finish ...I like it a lot
5
Great movie! by Irishsweethrt17
I thought this movie was very very good. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! Well worth the money. Awesome movie! Is rated R for a reason though.