Bait

"Bait" is the type of film that makes you say "Wow!!!! I enjoyed this film."

There are several things I enjoyed about "Bait." The first thing was the villainous character played by Doug Hutchison. His character is the second villain since Will Patton's Gen. Bethlahem in "The Postman" that was not only excellently played but done so with such brilliance.

The second thing I enjoyed was the fact that the script seemed to be so unique in what was being played out on screen. When I go to movies I look for originality and that is what I found with "Bait." Furthermore, it was not just action nor was it a comedy but it was I was so glad to see David Morse back on the screen after his captivating performance in "The Green Mile."

Finally, I enjoyed how "Bait" never let up from the beginning to the end. Also, each cast member brings something special to "Bait," which makes it much more dramatic and funny film.

"Bait" is a film that will appeal to everyone young and old and for those who like dramatic scenes as well as comedic scenes. I give this film two thumbs up.

The sophomore feature of visual stylist Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day", "Brooklyn's Finest") rotates around a simple, but pretty brill idea. After a bank heist gone awry when psychotic computer whizz Bristol (Doug Hutchison) executes several guards, heavy-duty specialist Jaster escapes in a truck filled with gold. Soon he is captured, however only after the loot has been hidden. During his stay in prison he confides in Alvin Sanders (Jamie Foxx), small time crook caught stealing shrimp, sorry, prawns, from a warehouse. Soon after Jaster unfortunately gets a heart attack during interrogation by agent Edgar Clenteen (David Morse), leaving Sanders to be privy to key knowledge. In an attempt to capture the dangerous Bristol, Sanders is unknowingly bugged and released from prison, as live bait...

Fuqua is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing African-American directors out there and here is proof of capabilities, albeit delivery is faulty and jumpy. Much can be attributed to the apparent: Fuqua seems to be a director heavily dependant on source material. Given a good script he will deliver a brilliant movie. However "Bait" possesses only a mediocre one, fraught with lesser plot holes and unfeasible situations. Furthermore Jamie Foxx struggles to capture the role of a talkative Chris Rock wannabee, feeling much better in more dramatic or action-packed sequences, where he excels.

Nonetheless a thrilling ride with some stunningly filmed sequences overflowing with potential and well-thought gimmickry. Just needed some polishing in dialogue and plot to push up the satisfaction level to more acceptable levels.

This movie surprised me and turned out to be pretty good. I left the room when they started to watch it but the bits and pieces I caught at the beginning were enough to reel me in. In Bait Jamie Foxx plays an ex-con being used without his knowledge as lure for a dangerous criminal. I thought Jamie Foxx was really funny. All throughout Bait I kept drawing parallels to Will Smith and Enemy of the State(one of the surveillance actors from Enemy of the State actually plays the same role in Bait). Foxx is definitely funnier than Will and that makes the movie as a whole really funny. I don't know how the movie was promoted, but I would actually describe it as a comedy before an action film.

Alvin Sanders (Jamie Foxx) is a career petty criminal who got caught stealing prawns. U.S. Treasury investigator Edgar Clenteen (David Morse) is working on a case of stolen $42M gold. John Jaster (Robert Pastorelli) double crossed his partner Bristol (Doug Hutchison) and hid the gold. The investigation finds Jaster's fingerprint and it turns out that he's in Rikers for DWI. Before he dies, the sick Jaster tells Alvin to tell his wife that "There's no place like home." and about the Brooklyn zoo. The technically advanced Bristol is using his skills to follow Clenteen in his investigation. The amoral Clenteen secretly plants a tracker/bug in Alvin's jaw, and let a rumor out that he knows where the gold is. They allow Alvin to walk and Clenteen hopes to catch Bristol when he comes after Alvin.

Jamie Foxx is trying so hard to be the smart-mouthed fun guy, and the movie is trying to be a high-energy thriller. Neither one reach their goal. It's just too outlandish. There's too much ridiculous stuff going on. Director Antoine Fuqua is trying hide a mediocre comedy thriller with a lot of attitude. It just tires out the movie. Of the three lead characters, I like none of them. The constant yapping from Foxx is not fun, and Mike Epps is not a good partner for him. They're almost the same character. The duo needs a straight guy. And the action is second rate anyways.

I recently rewatched Bait (2000) on Tubi. The plot centers on a lifelong petty criminal offered a chance by the police to secure his freedom in exchange for helping them capture a targeted criminal. However, what appears to be a golden opportunity may carry unforeseen consequences for our thief.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), the film features an ensemble cast including Jamie Foxx (Ray), David Morse (The Green Mile), Kimberly Elise (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), Mike Epps (Next Friday), Jamie Kennedy (Scream 2), and David Paymer (Get Shorty).

Bait is one of those films that consistently surprises with its humor, largely thanks to Jamie Foxx's comedic prowess. The character development is well-done, allowing Foxx ample room for his comedic escapades. Additionally, the love story and baby elements add depth, with Kimberly Elise delivering a strong performance. However, beyond the character development, the film falls into the realm of predictability, with a straightforward storyline and exaggerated circumstances leading to an ending that may seem too convenient.

In conclusion, while Bait offers comedic moments and showcases Jamie Foxx's talents, it struggles to rise above its ordinary storyline. I would rate it a 6/10 but still recommend giving it a watch, if only for Foxx's performance.