Alcatraz, the most notorious prison in history, has reopened. Disgruntled prison-bureaucrat-turned-criminal-mastermind Donny (Morris Chesnut) has assembled a commando team, the 49ers, to infiltrate the refurbished high-tech fortress to force Lester (Bruce Weitz), a death row inmate, to reveal the whereabouts of $200 million in gold. Inmate Nick (Ja Rule) must help undercover FBI agent Sascha (Steven Seagal) rally the other inmates to stop the invaders before they murder the Supreme Court Justice present for the impending execution. Alcatraz becomes a battleground in a blisteringly paced, action-packed battle of sophisticated criminals versus hardened prisoners. When the 49ers escape, taking Lester and the Supreme Court Justice with them, Sascha gives chase, with Sascha and Donny going head to head to the bitter end.