Today’s quick review: Death Race 2. Carl Lucas (Luke Goss), a prisoner at the for-profit prison Terminal Island, puts his driving skills to the test when Weyland (Ving Rhames), the owner of the prison, launches Death Race, a televised blood sport where criminals race armed cars to try to win their freedom. But when a bounty is placed on his head by the mentor he went to jail to protect (Sean Bean), the race becomes that much more dangerous.
Death Race 2 is an action movie that serves as an origin story for Frankenstein, a driver from the first Death Race. The quality is about what you would expect for a direct-to-video prequel to a popcorn action film. The premise is a thin excuse to strap guns to cars, the plot is just enough to set up the action, and the acting is nothing special, although Ving Rhames, Sean Bean, and Danny Trejo provide a few familiar faces.
Fans of violent action in the mood for a bit of popcorn could do worse. Death Race 2 never quite reaches the energy of its predecessor, but it does offer plenty of action, tolerable writing, and a bit of mindless, brutal fun. Action fans should check out Death Race first for a better take on the same premise, but if you enjoyed the first film and don’t mind a dip in quality, check out the prequel.
5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for popcorn action, though your score will be lower if you dislike B movies.