It would take a team of semioticians to explain why Statham is somehow more compelling when obscured by an iron mask. But he is, as “Frankenstein,” this vicious thriller’s Web-celeb racer, avenging a murdered wife. You soon forget all the contrivances—the action takes place on a maximum-security island prison, but one where the drivers can have their racktacular girlfriends bused in—and roll with the lunacy. This new Death Race doesn’t indict our own bloodlust as much as Paul Bartel’s subversive 1975 original did; no points are awarded for innocent run-overs. But a massive onscreen warning after the film, à la Jackass, comments enough.

Director: Paul WS Anderson

Time Out rating: 3/6

Source: Time Out Chicago Issue 183: August 28–September 3, 2008