Though now dated with its abundant 1970s styles, fashions, and music, Death Race 2000 still is a lot of fun to watch. This is a film that is not to be taken seriously, as it does take itself seriously. Set in the year 2000 (which was the future back in 1975), America is ruled over by Mr. President, who acts as a dictator and whose word is law; we learn that all the former members of Congress have been locked up in a penitentiary compound since he took power, and he uses his Secret Police to keep order. To keep the masses entertained, Mr. President lords over the annual Transcontinental Road Race, whereby points are scored not only by crossing the finish line first but also for running over anyone on the streets. Carradine does a good job as Frankenstein, though he looks like he longed for the years he spent on Kung Fu while making this movie. Stallone is fun as Machine Gun Joe, making this movie about a year before he starred in Rocky. The other actors seem to be enjoying themselves in their roles, and despite the limited budget this is actually an entertaining film. Not a classic by any means, but one of the better overlooked films of the 1970s.
Review of Death Race 2000
