The story begins with FBI agent Sascha Petrosevitch (played by Steven Seagal) working undercover to infiltrate a criminal organization led by a notorious thief named Nick Frazier (played by Morris Chestnut). Sascha manages to gain Frazier’s trust and becomes involved in a plot to steal $200 million in gold bricks from the Federal Reserve.
However, their plans are foiled when a rival gang attacks their operation, resulting in the death of Frazier’s brother and the loss of the stolen gold. Frazier blames Sascha for the botched heist and vows to kill him.
Meanwhile, Sascha is arrested by the FBI and sentenced to death for his crimes. He is sent to the newly renovated Alcatraz prison, which is now a high-security facility known as “New Alcatraz.” The prison is run by Warden Juan Ruiz “El Fuego” Escarzaga (played by Tony Plana), who is notorious for his brutal treatment of inmates.
At New Alcatraz, Sascha meets Nick Frazier, who is also serving time for his crimes. Frazier discovers that the gold bricks from their failed heist are hidden somewhere within the prison, and he recruits Sascha to help him find them.
As tensions rise between Sascha and Frazier, they must navigate a treacherous world of rival gangs, corrupt guards, and deadly traps in their quest to uncover the hidden fortune. Along the way, they form an uneasy alliance with a group of inmates, including a computer hacker named Twitch (played by Ja Rule), who helps them navigate the prison’s security systems.
In the climax of the film, Sascha and Frazier confront the corrupt warden and his henchmen in a final showdown to reclaim the stolen gold. With the help of their fellow inmates, they manage to overcome their enemies and escape from New Alcatraz before it explodes in a fiery inferno.
In the end, Sascha and Frazier part ways, each going their separate paths. Sascha returns to the FBI and continues his work as an undercover agent, while Frazier disappears into the criminal underworld, vowing to start anew.
“Half Past Dead” is a fast-paced and action-packed thriller that delivers plenty of excitement and suspense. With its high-stakes plot, memorable characters, and thrilling set pieces, the film offers an entertaining ride for fans of the action genre.