Death Race 2000 (3½ Stars)

Before The Cannonball Run, before The Running Man, before Death Rally, there was Death Race 2000.

25 years in the dystopic future, the United Provinces of North America have become a repressive regime, where the only fun people have anymore is a race where their favorite “heroes” run down pedestrians in a deadly cross-country race.

The film hilariously parodies all the other really trashy low budget films of its time, with an accordingly clichéd plot and cast of characters. You’ve got a hero for whom winning is everything, and he’s a veteran killer, but for him, taking life never became easy. You’ve got a brutal rival that beats his girlfriend/navigator, puts her down with hilarious one-liners, and is willing to take out his own crew for a couple of points. You’ve got a sassy rivalry between two female racers, who’ve apparently shared the same boyfriend. And here’s what else you have to look forward to: Lots of tits, sex, fist fights, road-related deaths and explosions, including an air raid. Did I mention cool cars? It’s got sweet-ass roaring monster cars.

Obviously, this movie is campy and violent, so it’s not for everyone, but if that’s your thing, this is a great way to kill 78 minutes. 3½ stars