Death Race (2008 film)

Death Race is a 2008 American science fiction action thriller film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. It is a loose remake of the 1975 film Death Race 2000. The film stars Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane, and Joan Allen.

The film is set in a dystopian near future, where the economy has collapsed and violent crime is rampant. Jensen Ames (Statham), a former NASCAR driver framed for his wife's murder, is forced to compete in a deadly televised race within a prison. The race, known as "Death Race," involves inmates driving heavily armed vehicles, battling each other to the death for the chance to win their freedom. Ames is forced to assume the identity of the legendary driver Frankenstein.

The plot focuses on Ames' struggle to survive the brutal competition, uncover the truth behind his wife's death, and ultimately escape the prison system controlled by the ruthless Warden Hennessey (Allen). He navigates treacherous opponents, including Machine Gun Joe (Gibson), and utilizes the weapons and defensive capabilities of his souped-up Mustang to stay alive. McShane plays Coach, Ames's pit crew chief and mentor.

The film is characterized by its fast-paced action sequences, vehicular combat, and dystopian themes. While initially met with mixed reviews, Death Race has gained a following for its intense action and Statham's performance. The film spawned several sequels and prequels, further expanding the Death Race universe. These include Death Race 2 (2010), Death Race 3: Inferno (2013), and Death Race: Beyond Anarchy (2018), none of which involved the original director or cast.