Death Race 2000 is a 1975 movie directed by Paul Bartel.
Death Race 2000 tells the story of a murderous road race set in a dystopian, totalitarian future. The various racers, each boasting comic attributes, score points by killing pedestrians. The race is ultimately sabotaged by a group of anti-government rebels. David Carradine stars as the ruthless Frankenstein, a veteran driver with several limb transplants. Sylvester Stallone adds a comic touch as stereotypical gangster Joe Viterbo. While the social commentary suggested by the movie’s themes is extraordinary, a distinct tone and basic logic to flesh it out are never found.
THE BEST – Turn Your Brain Off
If you don’t overthink the logic of a 70’s exploitation movie (like I do), you’ll greatly enjoy Death Race 2000. The characters are stupidly fun – including Carradine’s leather-clad creation, Stallone’s old-timey gangster and a lustful Nazi. The cars are incredibly cheesy, yet beautiful in the retro-futuristic vibe of the time. The violence is never threatening and often hilarious.
THE WORST – Take Your Pick
We’ll ignore the gaping holes of logic and atrocious, stiff dialogue – although a highlight is Carradine dryly telling his navigator/love interest Annie: “if you just stop trying to kill me for a minute and trust me….” and focus on the awkward Carradine/Stallone brawl, which is inexplicably won by the straw weight. It’s an embarrassing moment even for a movie that suspends reality.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.5/5
There’s enough weirdness and potential to give Death Race 2000 a viewing. While its flaws are glaring, the movie is a unique experience.
