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Despite critical roasting and a blink-and-you-missed it theatrical release, Half Past Dead is surprisingly not half bad. Once you recognize this bastard child's recent action-flick heritage (The Rock being the most obvious of a dozen pilfered plot lines), you can kick back and enjoy the unexpected perks that arise when a deep-cover FBI sleuth (Steven Seagal) accompanies a convicted crook (rapper Ja Rule) into "New Alcatraz" prison. A death-row killer (Bruce Weitz) sits on a $200 million goldmine, keeping his secret as a bargaining chip when criminal commandos (led by the ever-cool Morris Chestnut) drop in for a lethally greedy raid. After cutting his teeth on trashy, short-lived TV series, director Don Michael Paul can't do much to help the puffy, career-tanking Seagal, but he's got lively allies in Ja Rule and alleged "has-been" Nia Peeples (forget Lara Croft, this babe rocks), and even legendary action-TV producer Stephen J. Cannell drops in for a cameo. Derivative from the get-go, but fun just the same. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Not half bad...
Half Past Dead, is a reasonably entertaining, comic book level, action flick. While no masterpiece, it does have its moments, and some pleasant surprises. Action veteran Steven Seagal heads a diverse cast, and though we don't see too much of his trademark fighting style, he delivers a solid performance, with perhaps a bit more depth of character than usual.

Seagal is Sasha Petrosevitch, an undercover FBI agent, working to gain the confidence of Nick, a big time car thief, played by rapper Ja Rule. After a confrontation with the FBI, both men are incarcerated on Alcatraz. Bruce Weitz (Hill Street Blues) is Lester McKenna, a prisoner who has stolen and hidden 20 million in gold bullion. On death row, he is about to be executed, when the prison is invaded by the "49ers", a group of criminals who want McKenna to reveal the gold's location. Morris Chestnut is Donnie Johnson (49er One), the group's charismatic and ruthless leader. His second in command is 49er Six, played with style and panache, by the explosive and sexy Nia Peeples. Johnson's plans need to be adjusted, when the inmates get involved.

Actor/Writer/Director Don Michael Paul provides an informative commentary that stresses and details, the trials and tribulations of bringing this low budget production to the screen. Paul's screenplay was originally written years before, but was shelved because of similarity to Jerry Bruckheimer's film, "The Rock". Rewritten to incorporate modern elements of hip-hop culture, Paul explains that his goal was to produce a fast paced film, with a stylized music video vibe. His big screen directorial debut was filmed primarily in Berlin, shortly after the 9/11 incident. Despite the monetary difficulties, the film delivers some decent action scenes, with enough of a plot to hold things together. Rated PG-13, it contains massive amounts of gunfire and violence, punctuated by a rap and metal soundtrack.

Ja Rule's performance is quirky, and he does a passable job in his action scenes. Morris Chestnut makes an eloquent and intelligent villain. Linda Thorson, as a Supreme Court Judge, and Bruce Weitz, are not bad. Supporting characters played by Claudia Christian, Tony Plana, and the rapper Kurupt, are less developed and more one-dimensional.

Nia Peeples is a suprisingly impressive bad girl. Costumed in a tight black outfit, her look combines elements from The Crow, and The Matrix. Peeples looks great carrying a gun, and performs most of her own fight scenes. Her background as a dancer is put to good use, as her flashy fighting style primarily features kicking and jumping, bringing an edge to the proceedings.

As for Steven Seagal, this film, like Exit Wounds, seeks to build some ties with hip-hop culture. His character is troubled, reflective, and a bit restrained, taking the back seat at times to others. He doesn't engage in much hand to hand, and editing makes his fight scenes flow. Those looking for old school Steven, may be disappointed, but the reality is that time catches up with all of us. Nonetheless, Seagal carries the film, making it an enjoyable and entertaining escape for action film aficionados.

Seagal's Career
The title of the movie does not refer to Seagal's career. Those mean critics need to go away! "Half Past Dead" stars Steven Seagal as Sascha Petrosevitch, an undercover agent who goes into Alcatraz by mistake? Who knows. Nick (Ja Rule) tells him to say, 'ay-eet' not 'aight.' Get it right lordage. They are imprisoned in the New Alcatraz where a band of criminals break into the prison to find two million dollars of U.S. gold. Ok? Who cares. All that should matter to a fan of Steven Seagal's is that he takes care of business. Major flippage. One person must've flipped four times in the air before hitting the ground. Pure ability. How can that helicopter hold so much weight? Nia Peeples can kick some rear after working with Chuck Norris on "Walker, Texas Ranger." That bellboy from "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory" is back and plays an over-the-top mastermind. Yes, Seagal's presence is enlightening to everybody in the room. I liked how Kurupt took matters into his own hands and jumped off the third floor without a rope, 'comprende this!' This movie is comedy. Lordage.

excellent
this movie i would say is excellent. since this movie has alot of action.

great movie
thsi was such a great movie. since this movie is action packed.

da best
this is by far the best movie i have ever seen. since this movie has great acting. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A popcorn movie that teaches. We need more like this.
Mario Van Peebles "Posse" is a movie with flaws, but it treats its source material with respect. Unlike the shallow and silly "Rosewood" Van Peebles "Posse" gives viewers a clear picture of what life was like for African-American cowboys at the turn of the century. We get to know characters in the story. The production values are low budget, and several roles are miscast, but Van Peebles' heart is in every second of this film. He loves the material and wants us to learn as much about these forgotten black heroes as he has. Part "spaghetti western", part action flick, part historical drama, Posse is a lot of fun to watch. Mario Van Peebles, Billy Zane, Melvin Van Peebles and Salli Richardson in her first role are great. Tis one is worth owining for your collection.

Brings Old West Back to Life
Mario Van Peebles Posse' brought a new perspective about the west. This was the first western in many years to feature a predominately African-American cast. Stephen Baldwin was great in his potrayal of Lil' Jay. Very educational movie.

Better than the "editorial review" thinks it is
Tom Keogh, whomever he may be, is quite mistaken about the quality of Mario Van Peebles film, which is somewhat more than simply a "black western." Despite the "camp" appearances of several black celebrities, Peebles brings to the film an arresting visual quality and an iconoclastic, unmistakably "dark" [no pun intended] perspective on How the West Was Lost, which is one of the biggest tragedies of American history. The historical background is suitably complex, tieing in references to the Spanish-American War. Although the lead character's gunslinging talents are made too much of, this is far from cliche.

Correcting History.
Mario Van Peebles directed and starred in this film about a group of African-American soldiers (and one white one) on the run from a corrupt military officer. The officer (Billy Zane) had the posse steal some gold from Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He planned to kill them afterwards, but the group proved stronger than he thought and they escaped. They come back to the states and follow Jesse (Van Peebles) to the dream town of his deceased father in west Texas. Jesse has some inner demons to silence and they won't be still until he has settled an aged score.

The film is interesting. However, the movie relies heavily upon typical Western cliches which dampen some of the it's uniqueness. Nevertheless, the film does raise awareness about all the black cowboys and settlers that were so instrumental in taming the West that most people don't even know existed. An educational film that is quite entertaining to watch.

The Posse
This is the best movie ever made! The best character in this movie was Little J played by Stephen Baldwin! I dont own the DVD version though, I have the VHS! I'm Looking forward to having the DVD just to brag about it to all my friends! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Garment Story & Return of Sonny Steelgrave are worth it !!!
I got hooked on Wiseguy when it was a late-night staple on CBS 1989ish. After seeing all the garbage TV shows released on DVD I sent many an e-mail to Stephen Cannell's website asking if and when Wiseguy would be released on DVD. I was thrilled when I saw the Steelgrave Arc released and was hoping that it was not just a one time experiment. The first 2 sets were great. The interviews with Johnathan Banks and Stephen Cannell in the first set along with Kevin Spacey, William Russ & Joan Severance's in the second set were a terrific bonus treat for any fans of the show (or especially fans of Kevin Spacey).

The Mel Profitt Arc was released four months after the Steelgrave Arc and when nothing else was released four months later, I guess they figured: Thats all the buying fans would be interestred in. As the other reviews stated, it was definetly a let down going from the Millionare Mob Boss of Atlantic City (Ray Sharkey as Sonny Steelgrave) and the Billionaire, International Drug & Weapon's Contractor (Kevin Spacey as Mel Profitt) to the small time White Supremacy Group "The Pilgrims of Promise". Yeah Vinny's brother was killed but I guess they didn't think past those first 2 guys and were trying to keep it simple. It was still great story telling for broadcast tv at that time and I especially enjoyed the suspenseful "Revenge of the Mud People" where Vinny is wrongfully arrested for murdering a cop and the local police pull a Rodney King on him, while Vince is cut off from McPike and the Lifeguard.

The short four-story arc is a good appetizer to the brilliant Garment story with Jerry Lewis, Ron Silver and Stanley Tucci. Even though most of it was without Ken Wahl, the show never misses a beat. Thats because the catalyst isn't Vinny or his replacement John Raglin, it's the brilliant Jerry Lewis. Watching him struggle to hold on to what's left of his little piece of the 7th Avenue Garment District is powerful and is probably the best pure performance of the series. Great Wiseguy suspense and suprises.(However the finale was way too easy. I guess Joel Surnow was saving something for "24").

THE BIG BONUS on this set is a great return by Ray Sharkey as Sonny Steelgrave. While Vinny is in a rehab center healing his leg, he is mistakenly thrown in the Psyche Ward. There he is drugged, abused by the staff and has a nightly hallucination of Sonny. It's a great "What If?" when Sonny torments Vince about his betryal, and dual identity. One of the few episodes I could never tape when the show was rebroadcast on WGN and Court TV in the last few years.

Well worth the $60 MSRP. Four more VHS Tapes in the trash. Thanks guys, looking forward to the return of Don Iuoppo when he and his stepson Vinnie Terranova take back New York. (Due out December 2004).

Will they release the "Washington Arc" (The revenge of Admiral Stryken), the "Stranger in a Small Town Arc" (the Return of Roger Loccoco), or even the regrettable Steven Baeur era?

Only the toes knows.

It's all good !
For a objective review some perspective is needed here.The First Season of Wiseguy (Steegrave/proffitt arcs)was some of the most brilliant,well written and intense television ever produced and clearly difficult to follow up,therefore it's easy to see this half of the second season as inferior in quality, but thats not entirely fare.

At the end of the Proffitt arc Vinnie,completely burned out and psychologically traumatised resigned as a deep cover agent from the OCB. Season 2 opens with him taking stock of his life in his old neighbourhood and when his brother, father Pete is murdered, he begins to suspect and investigate a crusading white supremacist group and is again undercover for the OCB.This is a short story arc of some 4 episodes and of course cannot match the character development of previous arcs over twice as long.This first story line is good and should be seen as a transitional plot for the development of the always brilliant Ken Wahl character.

The second part of this boxset focuses on a struggling garment manufacturers attempts to fight off a powerful and sociopathic mobster Rick Pinzolo , played exceptionally well by Stanley Tucci. Jerry Lewis and Ron Silver are outstanding as the father and son garment traders Eli and David Sternberg.Unfortunately at the start of this arc Ken Wahl suffered an accident and had to be written out, but i think the writers did a splendid job in introducing a replacement character in the shape of conflicted OCB agent John Raglin, very well played by Anthony Dennison.

Perhaps the bad guys in season 2 lack the charisma of Sonny Steelgrave and Mel Proffitt but this is exceptional,engrossing well written drama none the less, and well worth purchasing.Do yourself a favour and BUY IT because no dvd collection should be without it!

Great show; 1 great arc.
Granted, this was my all-time favorite show; even I have to question the quality of the KKK arc presented here. On the other hand, I thought the Rag Trade arc shone brightly despite the lack of Wahl's participation. Ron Silver and a surprisingly effective Jerry Lewis create the tension and dramatic payoffs we expect from the series, but Tucci steals the show with a deliciously slimy turn as the villain. I loved this arc! The KKK arc has its moments; Fred D. Thompson is imperious as ever, and we get the first real glimpses of the underbelly of the world Vinnie left behind to go deep cover. Other than that, however, this was as bad as this brilliant show would get, imho.

Not their best effort....................
These are a mixed bag. The arc involving the garment district had a great bad guy in Stanley Tucci, but Ken Wahl's leg injury took him out of the series and prompted a radical re-write of the script. Enter a new agent. I could not get into it and abandoned the show for a few weeks.

The "Pilgrims of Promise" arc was weak as well. Fred Thompson is a good actor but not enough of a draw to fill the void left by Kevin Spacey or Ray Sharkey. If you contrast this with the first season of Wise Guy there is such a huge dropoff in the villians.

I plan to buy the DVD, warts and all. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A popcorn movie that teaches. We need more like this.
Mario Van Peebles "Posse" is a movie with flaws, but it treats its source material with respect. Unlike the shallow and silly "Rosewood" Van Peebles "Posse" gives viewers a clear picture of what life was like for African-American cowboys at the turn of the century. We get to know characters in the story. The production values are low budget, and several roles are miscast, but Van Peebles' heart is in every second of this film. He loves the material and wants us to learn as much about these forgotten black heroes as he has. Part "spaghetti western", part action flick, part historical drama, Posse is a lot of fun to watch. Mario Van Peebles, Billy Zane, Melvin Van Peebles and Salli Richardson in her first role are great. Tis one is worth owining for your collection.

Brings Old West Back to Life
Mario Van Peebles Posse' brought a new perspective about the west. This was the first western in many years to feature a predominately African-American cast. Stephen Baldwin was great in his potrayal of Lil' Jay. Very educational movie.

Better than the "editorial review" thinks it is
Tom Keogh, whomever he may be, is quite mistaken about the quality of Mario Van Peebles film, which is somewhat more than simply a "black western." Despite the "camp" appearances of several black celebrities, Peebles brings to the film an arresting visual quality and an iconoclastic, unmistakably "dark" [no pun intended] perspective on How the West Was Lost, which is one of the biggest tragedies of American history. The historical background is suitably complex, tieing in references to the Spanish-American War. Although the lead character's gunslinging talents are made too much of, this is far from cliche.

Correcting History.
Mario Van Peebles directed and starred in this film about a group of African-American soldiers (and one white one) on the run from a corrupt military officer. The officer (Billy Zane) had the posse steal some gold from Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He planned to kill them afterwards, but the group proved stronger than he thought and they escaped. They come back to the states and follow Jesse (Van Peebles) to the dream town of his deceased father in west Texas. Jesse has some inner demons to silence and they won't be still until he has settled an aged score.

The film is interesting. However, the movie relies heavily upon typical Western cliches which dampen some of the it's uniqueness. Nevertheless, the film does raise awareness about all the black cowboys and settlers that were so instrumental in taming the West that most people don't even know existed. An educational film that is quite entertaining to watch.

The Posse
This is the best movie ever made! The best character in this movie was Little J played by Stephen Baldwin! I dont own the DVD version though, I have the VHS! I'm Looking forward to having the DVD just to brag about it to all my friends! ... Read more