Rating:

Starring Steven Seagal, Morris Chestnut, Ja Rule, Nia Peeples and Kurupt

Written and Directed by Don Michael Paul

Produced by Elie Samaha, Steven Seagal and Andrew Stevens

Distributed by Screen Gems

99 mins.

Rated PG-13

Before I went to see “Half Past Dead,” I already had a feeling that it would be horrible due to the fact that it stars Steven Seagal and Ja Rule. Although I found some good qualities to it, “Half Past Dead” certainly lives up to its name. It didn’t stray from most Seagal action films and his character is the same as it ever was.

The film chronicles a reopening of the notorious Alcatraz prison with Nick Frasier (Rule) and Sascha Petrosevitch (Seagal) among its “guests.” During this time, the prison is also hosting its first execution, that of a prisoner who has stolen and hidden $200 million. Minutes before the execution, Alcatraz is invaded and a Supreme Court Justice is taken hostage. Somehow, captives Frasier and Petrosevitch must team up and save the day.

“Dead” has the usual testosterone-driven plot and machismo action. It starts out with a completely random car race and like most Seagal films, it also features a fully-loaded infantry taken down by Seagal himself without so much as a scratch on him.

“Dead” also seems to make little effort in creating an original storyline, as Seagal’s character and acting were simultaneously unconvincing. The “bad guys” of the film were equipped with three helicopters and massive amounts of weapons and technology just for the mission to Alcatraz, so I found it ridiculous that they tried to steal $200 million in the first place.

The idea of reopening Alcatraz was also a concept that was unintentionally humorous, not to mention the stunts and choreography in the film. Half attempts at emotional appeal ended up being laughable and/or, well, dead.

In spite of the mess he trudged through, Rule pulled of a surprisingly entertaining performance. He and a handful of the supporting cast made the film more palatable to anyone who surrendered themselves to the mess onscreen. It helped to throw off the monotony of Seagal’s character and make the pathetic plot a little more bearable.

“Dead” is a film not intended to be thought provoking or different in any way, but is successful in delivering mindless entertainment and accidental humor to the masses.