"Death Race" is one of those movies where the title truly says it all. Not like "Kung Fu Panda," for example, where the film is about a panda that learns kung fu, but ends up finding himself and gaining self-confidence.

No, "Death Race" is literally 89 minutes of racing and fighting that both add up to a death toll you wouldn't believe.

The film, based on 1975's "Death Race 2000," tells the tale of Jensen Ames (Jason Statham), a speedway champion turned factory worker and doting husband/father. That is, until he is framed for his wife's unexplained murder and sentenced to life in prison on Terminal Island.

Coincidentally, Terminal Island is the home to Death Race, a sick hybrid of reality show and video game, where people around the world pay to watch vicious inmates race each other to the finish. These inmates race souped-up cars in hopes of winning five times, at which point a participant wins his freedom from the island.

Those who gag easily should avoid "Death Race." This action film might appear to focus on gears more than gore, but to label the movie a bloodbath would be a gross understatement.

Writer and director Paul W.S. Anderson seems to understand the film's superficial role to a certain extent, but parts of the film try to mix some substance with the style of this entertaining and unpredictable story. Unfortunately, the ploy only half-works.

Anderson molds a layered (relatively) character out of Jensen, a framed man determined to get back to his baby girl, Piper, but not without finding out who exactly framed him and get revenge. However, for fellow competitor Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson), a lone reference to his faith and self-inflicted facial wounds leaves too many questions unanswered; it takes away from the racing and explosions that keep up the film's momentum from start to finish.

It is unclear how and why Academy Award nominee Joan Allen and Emmy nominee Ian McShane appear in the film, but they both hold their own among the gratuitous violence and heavy machinery. Allen's control freak of a prison warden, Hennessey, is similar to the take-charge woman she has portrayed in the "Bourne" franchise, just taken to what those in "Death Race" world would call "the next stage."

Playing Jensen's mentor, Coach, McShane seems to have the most fun and provides the only (intentional) laughs of the entire movie.

"Death Race" is nothing more and nothing less than what it seems. For those hoping the car is better on the inside, move along; however, those who just care about looks and speed should take this film out for a test drive.

"Death Race." Rated: R. Running time: 1 hour, 29 minutes. 2 1/2 stars.

Jason Statham and Natalie Martinez compete in a brutal auto race in "Death Race," set in a post-industrial world. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. (end caption)

To find out more about Kate Stanhope and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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