Half Past Dead (2002)

Directed by: Don Michael Paul | 98 minutes | action, thriller, crime | Actors: Steven Seagal, Morris Chestnut, Ja Rule, Nia Peeples, Tony Plana, Kurupt, Michael Taliferro, Claudia Christian, Linda Thorson, Bruce Weitz, Michael McGrady, Richard Bremmer, Hannes Jaenicke, Matt Battaglia, Wiliam T. Bowers

‘Half Past Dead’ is yet another action movie starring Steven Seagal, proving once again that the ‘Seagal’ concept works. No strong script, no special acting and ditto dialogues, but on and over the top action that strikes the clock. His films are criticized by critics, but a crowd of loyal fans enjoy the simple shooting and brawls while enjoying a drink and a snack. In the majority of his films, the brawls are provided with various martial arts techniques, which are well choreographed. In ‘Half Past Dead’ this part is unfortunately not well taken care of either.

An overweight-looking Steven Seagal barely gets off the floor and focuses more on his shooting irons when fighting the bad guys. Bad guys abound and led by Donny (Morris Chestnut), heavily armed, they spectacularly penetrate a futuristic Alcatraz. All dressed in black sweaters, trousers and long coats, with the only female ‘bad guy’ wearing an outfit that resembles that of Selene (Kate Beckinsale) from ‘Underworld’. What follows is an average hostage drama, as seen in countless action films. In terms of acting talent, little is asked of the hostages and hostage takers. It’s all not credible, so why bother to act well? It’s all in the service of the action moments.

Musically, the action sequences are supported by hard rap songs, many of which are provided by Ja Rule, who himself plays Nicolas ‘Nick’ Frazier. Steven Seagal himself plays the part of an undercover FBI agent and does this convincingly enough for the type of film he is in. After all, you don’t expect any emotional depth from Sylvester Stallone in his ‘Rambo’ films. So you should not watch this film with a lot of brain effort, switch off your intelligent part of the brain and just sit in front of the screen for an evening of stupid entertainment. Despite a lesser Steven Seagal, this is one of his better films. Fast-paced action and punches with a good soundtrack.