Synopsis:

Alvin Sanders (Jamie Foxx) is a man with a plan. He's convinced his brother to go in on a heist from a Seafood restaurant that's going to net them huge money! Well, at least that's what he thinks. Their booty isn't cultured pearls or the ever-rare black pearl, but it's …prawns. In his words, "Shrimps on steroids". He believes there is a market for "hot" prawns and he's gonna corner it. Did I mention that he's on parole for a similar mindless crime? Well. The same night he's robbing red lobster, a criminal mastermind is robbing the US Federal reserve of 42 million dollars in Gold bars. When the plan doesn't exactly go as planned, the accomplice to this crime ends up in the same cell with Alvin. During an interrogation, the accomplice dies and the Federales believe that Alvin must know something as he was in the cell with the guy for about 8 hours. Alvin who literally knows nothing is used as bait by the feds to draw out the mastermind behind the heist. Again, knowing nothing, Alvin is thrust back into the "real world", seemingly because of a foul up in the justice department. Ready to get back into his old ways he checks with his old girlfriend in the hopes of an amorous reunion only to find out, he's the father of a beautiful baby boy named Gregory. Wanting to do the right thing by his newfound family, Alvin sets out to do just that and finds that the life of a reformed criminal is not an easy life at all. With the Government watching his every move and his life in danger, Alvin must resort to his own means to protect himself and his family. Bait is a funny and smart action film that truly delivers.

Audio/Video:

The audio is a hard-hitting DD5.1 platform that more than delivers the goods on this one! The surrounds and sub are put to extensive and great use and the center is crystalline. Disc also features a Commentary Track by Jamie Foxx. Listening to him throughout the film was more like listening to a kid whose really, really excited about telling you about his new action figures! Not to slight him but, this was a very dumbed down commentary in that it dealt very little in the why's and hows' and more on the reactions elicited from the actors in any given scene. I did enjoy his commentary however, it seemed that he was trying to get a reaction out of the listener during the commentary, kind of like a stand up routine with running gags and all. He did mention his excitement at being involved with such good actors and it all made for a fun listen. The video is sparkling. The widescreen transfer is free from any transfer errors and bristled with clarity.

Extras:

While a trailer is listed on the back of the box as being on the disc, there was no trailer to be found. Leaving the only extra other than the commentary, static cast and crew information.

Overall:

Antoine Fuqua is a director for the 21st century. He assembled a lot of previously used elements and made a very entertaining film. A little like Enemy of the State it manifested some of the same elements that made that film so much fun for me as well. The only curiosity was the performance of the lead villain in that he studied Malkovich a bit too much from his role in In the Line of Fire. It was almost like looking at the same exact character only in a different setting. Additionally, it's god to see a director get into his films in the way of acting as well. As evidence by his many appearances in front of the camera in the film, Mr. Fuqua is indeed at home both in front and in back of the camera. I never even heard of this film before and expected it to be extremely funny but equally empty in the way of plot and execution. Definitely pleasantly surprised. Good movie to just sit back and enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon or a boring Saturday night. Lot of fun! Recommended