Re-make of Death Race 2000 - starring Natalie Martinez roars into theatres

Among the seven new movies opening this week is a remake of the 1975 cult classic "Death Race 2000" -- though now without the "2000" in the title.

The original movie, you might remember, starred a young Sylvester Stallone and David Carradine, and spawned a video game that, for all of its visual lameness, still managed to become one of the first video games to cause an uproar over violent content.

I got a chance to catch an advance screening of the new "Death Race" earlier this week at the AMC Elmwood Palace, and it's likely to continue that hand-wringing legacy, with its over-the-top violence and shamless bloodlust.

I can't say too much until the movie opens -- check back here for a full review on Friday. Until then, here's my One-Word Review, along with the bare-bones basics on the film:

DEATH RACE

The setup:Jason Statham is a prisoner forced to compete in the world's most popular sport: A race in which the winners are the ones who manage to stay alive, in a remake of 1975's "Death Race 2000."

The stars:Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane, Joan Allen.

The director:Paul W.S. Anderson.

The running time: 1 hour 29 minutes.

See it at: Prytania, Canal Place, Elmwood Palace, Clearview Palace, West Bank Palace, Hammond Palace, Hollywood 9 (Kenner), Hollywood 14 (Covington), Holiday 12, Grand (Slidell).

THE ONE-WORD REVIEW: Axle-kicking.

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