Saturday, April 14, 2007

Death Race 2000 (1975, Paul Bartel)

"A champion of a brutal cross-country car race of the future where pedestrians are run down for points."

This one lives up to it's title and plot. It is a low budget quickie from grand master Corman and its a quick and fun ride while it lasts but sadly like most Corman films it suffers for the same reasons. I know this one is regarded as a B movie classic and it certainly deserves it's spot but I couldn't help but feel that this could have been an A movie classic with a little more of a budget. I highly doubt it though since I can't see any studio at the time actually making this outrageous film.

Death Race 2000 is just an excuse to exercise a lot of cool low budget style while sticking in enough action and nude scenes to make everyone happy. The film is at its most funnest when we get to to see some of the over the top racing scenes which luckily comes often. Everyone in this one is also just as over the top, especially David Caradine who spends the entire film in an odd S&M type of costume. There is not much more than could be said. Everything is just ridiculous and over the top but that's what makes it fun.

I really wish I could write more but writing more on this odd gem is not doing it justice. If you like these type of films then you have already seen it and if you haven't then I'm sure it's on your "to watch" list. It's been on mine for awhile and I'm happy to say that it lives up to it's title and reputation.

- ***


David Caradine as Frankenstien and his car.
How can this movie not be awesome?

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