Directed by Netherlander Roel Reiné and scripted by Tony Giglio, with a story by Paul W.S. Anderson, Death Race 2 serves as a prequel rather than a sequel, despite the "2″ designation. Not only does this installment introduce viewers to the beginnings of the Death Race but also the origin of one of Roger Corman's coolest characters, Frankenstein. Originally played by David Carradine in '75′s Death Race 2000 and Jason Statham in the 'o8 remake, Luke Goss delivers a fun, though entirely too short, sequence or two as the legendary bad ass. His primary character Carl Lucas on the other hand was a lackluster anti-hero with a great face but very little charisma. Surrounded by the likes of cult actor Danny Trejo, Ving Rhames and Sean Bean though, one barely takes notice of any shortcomings Goss (or the script) might have had.
Death Race 2 offers a bit more than the average direct-to-DVD sequel, delivering massive explosions, bloody violence, beautiful women, colorful villains and, naturally, a thrilling race. Surprisingly entertaining, this prequel disguised as a sequel comes clean with everything you see on the DVD cover plus a few shocking extras to boot. Nothing worthy of purchasing but a rental should be in order for fans of the previous films.
Death Race 2 offers a bit more than the average direct-to-DVD sequel, delivering massive explosions, bloody violence, beautiful women, colorful villains and, naturally, a thrilling race. Surprisingly entertaining, this prequel disguised as a sequel comes clean with everything you see on the DVD cover plus a few shocking extras to boot. Nothing worthy of purchasing but a rental should be in order for fans of the previous films.