Jamie Foxx in "Bait."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Jamie Foxx, David Morse and Doug Hutchison Director: Antoine Fuqua Rated: R, with violence, a clothed but racy sex scene and a smattering of raw language Length: 119 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(September 15, 2000) -- Fast-rising comedian-actor Jamie Foxx stars as a small-time convict who has no idea he has been set up to help federal agents catch a big-time crook in the modestly entertaining action-comedy Bait.

He's Alvin, a well-intentioned dreamer caught stealing a shipment of shrimp (although he argues they're "prawns," because he says they're bigger than shrimp). But in his jail cell, Alvin inadvertently learns from a fellow prisoner about the hiding place of a big, big haul -- $42 million in gold, stolen from the Federal Reserve.

The agents suspect Alvin knows. But so does Bristol (Doug Hutchison), the other prisoner's former partner, a brilliant, amoral thief and killer, who is still at large. Alvin has no idea a transmitter has been implanted inside him so he'll serve as bait to trap Bristol.

Thus, poor Alvin quickly becomes a guinea pig in a deadly game of chase, and it's hard to tell who's more ruthless, the authorities led by a tough-as-nails cop (David Morse) or the psychotic, high-tech criminal mastermind.

The formula is certainly typical for an urban action flick, but Foxx freshens it with his humorous, ultimately ingratiating portrayal. He's funny and likable and generates sympathy for his tight fix.

Alvin is not very smart, but he wants desperately to go straight, especially for his girlfriend (Kimberly Elise) and new child. It's hard to ease into a normal life when two determined and dangerous elements are coming at you from both sides of the law.

Employing a script by committee, director Antoine Fuqua (of The Replacement Killers) explores characters of extremes -- the sweet-natured Alvin, the in-your-face cop, and the oh-so-evil villain. The action is well-staged, though overly violent, the cinematography is dark, gritty and visceral, and the effect is more urban action than comedy.

Ultimately, Bait works best as a showcase for Foxx, the talented young actor from In Living Color and The Jamie Foxx Show who was the best thing about Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday. He has a fast wit but goes deeper than the comedic surface of his characters.

He's certainly the bait here for filmgoers.