Film Review - Death Race 2000

Every now and again in the history of film there are great lulls where the industry has no idea what to do. In the 1950's the advent of television began such a lull. People stayed home to watch what was free.

This lull lasted for a good twenty years until the Lucas' an Spielberg's of the world, kicked Hollywood back into high gear with the block-buster movie. Just before this happened, a small-budget sci-fi/comedy was released, Death Race 2000.

In the 1970's there were several films trying to tell us what the future would bring. Death Race 2000 said is would bring a post world war society ruled by one man. The sport that kept the masses placated was the great race, where drivers scored points not only for finishing first, but for killing people along the route.

This is very low-budget film with fairly low production values. One on thing, the entire United States looks like Southern California. The sets look like poorly light existing structures. All of the money appears to have been spent on the cars. The cars are interesting, they appear to be a common chassis, but each has a unique body.

David Carradine plays Frankenstein. Rumor is most of his body has been replaced as the result of numerous injuries. He's killed hundreds - and he's the hero! Sylvester Stallone is Frankenstein's rival Machine-Gun Joe Viterbo. He's playing a stereotypical Italian mobster.

This is a very farcical film. It's a fifteen minute joke crammed into 79 minutes. Don't get me wrong, this is a funny film. It's just that there's only one joke and it gets thin. But if you want something light and have a lot of beer to drink, it might be worth your while.

Dust Bag Full

Film Facts

Directed by Paul Bartel

Released in 1975

MPAA Rating: R

Reviewed by Mongo