Review: Death Race

It’s that time of year again for the movie industry. The dead zone between the blockbuster-filled summer and the Thanksgiving feast that brings another helping of big budget flicks with a side of Oscar contenders. For now, movies like this week’s “Death Race” will try to fill that void. Despite being a mess of blood and guts, “Death Race” didn’t quite stick to the wall.

“Death Race” follows Jensen Ames (Jason Statham), a man who is imprisoned after being falsely accused for killing his wife. While in prison, he is propositioned by the warden (Joan Allen of “The Bourne Ultimatum”) to partake in a gladiator-esque race for his freedom.

The movie plays out as one would expect a movie called “Death Race” would. We root for the good guy and his buddies who are surrounded by people constantly plotting against him. Ames is swarmed by “fellow” drivers and the warden herself on his path to victory.