krocheav
Nic Cassavetes follows in his father's footsteps in as much as attempting to make unconventional movies, but like his dad he is simply turning out product that mainstream audiences and box office returns have little use for. Mr Cassavetes tells us he regards the 'Notebook' as his worst movie (perhaps it was just a vehicle for his talented actress mom Gina; 'Lonely are the Brave' 62). While I was not overly impressed with the Notebook, it somehow looks reasonably successful compared to this appalling effort. The only redeeming aspect of Alpha Dog is the idea of it being loosely based on a factual case. If a movie maker is going for shock value he needs to consider the audiences he is out to shock (more like alienate) it could be those he needs to have on his side. Any left watching might be the very ones this miserable show is supposedly criticising. Unnecessarily and relentlessly foul mouthed to the point of making Mr Cassavetes look like he's exposing us to his own morally corrupt side - this wretched work simply becomes grossly uninteresting and a bulk audience put-off. It's not often so many IMDb user reviewers all have the same warnings and complaints but, they are remarkably revealing in their unanimity.Any good performances along the way are eventually reduced to overacted screaming matches - cancelling out much interest in any of the characters. It also features too many story elements that trail off into territory more along the lines of the writers own suppositions. Much of the titling captions that keep popping on screen are a feeble attempt to add a 'documentary' feel and come off looking amateurish. If we were talking about ugly movies that deserve to be banned this would be high on the list. Grow up Nic and re-evaluate your life's calling before you fully destroy the family name.Closing thought: Looking back, John Cassavetes, like Orson Welles, was also a better actor than movie maker. Maybe they should have concentrated on what they did best.
Robert Thompson (justbob1982)
Version I saw: UK DVD releaseActors: 6/10Plot/script: 7/10Photography/visual style: 5/10Music/score: 5/10Overall: 6/10It's only by chance that I ever heard about this movie. I don't remember it getting much of a release back in 2006, and I am not surprised. It's not a bad movie, but not much better than that.After a slow start, the film has a few interesting things to say about the Californian youth culture, and paces nicely toward an end in which I have to admit I was engaged. Justin Timberlake (in the midst of his transformation from music star to acting star) stands out as one of the slackers/wannabe gangsters who kidnap a kid and then don't know what to do with him, and the young cast are ably supported by veterans Bruce Willis, Harry Dean Stanton and Sharon Stone.It is interesting to see a film which only becomes interesting when the action *stops* rather than starts. On the whole though, I would only recommend seeking out this movie if you have nothing better to do.For my full review, see my independent film blog on Blogspot, Cinema Inferno: http://cinemainferno-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/alpha-dog-2006.html
JonnyGannett
I rarely feel compelled to write reviews, but this is one I could not resist, I normally am to lazy to bother, but I had to give my opinion on this film. This movie is incredible. The director brings a film that sticks close to truth of the real life case that this Hollywood film is based off of. The acting is one of the most impressive things this movie did so well. And well normally I'd credit the writer above the director because they come up with the dialogue and tell us the story, this is based on a real life occurrence, so I'd expect a level of quality in the writing of such, and this is true here. Most people say that Justin Timberlake's performance is the most shocking and noteworthy, and he was very compelling and I think he does deserve credit for it. BUT, Ben Foster was incredible, where is his credit? He played not only such an aggressive man, but a drug addict. A complete junkie. His performance was not only terrifying, but saddening. Emili Hirsh was impressive too. I'm not denying that. His presence is essential through out the entire story. All of these people were young. In their early 20's. Johnny's 20, and Frankie's also 20. One of the things that really shows throughout, is most of them are hostel. They all call each other out with names, and fight. It's sad. It contributes to the outcome. Stupidity is one of the problems, and parental guidance was absent for most of these young people. This movie was not just cheap entertainment, although it does captivate you. It is well acted, well directed, and well handled. I find it irritating that it's only got 6.9 out of 10, and movies like : Pulp Fiction which has a 9 out of 10 rating, and is 4th on the top 250; while a great movie, completely fictional. But movies like this one get tossed under the rug and looked over. Don't miss this one. It's not really for younger audiences, cause most teenagers can't grasp such a complex plot without the only conclusion being these people are all stupid. I recommend this movie to anyone who is mature enough to hear the language or old enough. It's movies like this that should be at least nominated for awards, and yet it's not. Don't miss this one.
matthewwalker50
I know giving this movie a massive 10/10 is an extremely high rating. But I loved this flick. Despite the fact there are a bit too many mistakes. Playing an Xbox when the movie was supposed to be set in 1999. Playing a 2005 game called: F.E.A.R for 1. Road vehicles that are years in front of this film. But I found the movie entertaining to watch. All the partying made me feel good. Some good occasional laughs & jokes. Despite the ridiculous, overuse of waaaaay too many drugs and ear-aching overuse of obscenities and vulgar language and blasphemy, It's still lots of enjoyment. Beautiful girls, crazy parties, and crude humour. Then, towards the end, drama unfolds, a kidnapped 15 year old gets shot down in cold blood with duct tape on his mouth in an empty, baron landscape in the early hours of the morning while it was still dark, triggered an extremely upset mother, newspaper headlines, and multiple arrests for all involved with his kidnap. The film is also very compelling and realistic. So realistic at times, It's frightening. A man named Jake Mazursky played by Ben Foster rips off Johnny Truelove played by Emile Hirsch in a drug deal. Johnny Truelove snaps at Mazursky causing a bitter, ferocious hatred to build up in Jake. Jake constantly hunts Truelove down like a dog and shouts very loud down the phone, causing Truelove to leg it at the end to avoid arrest and being killed by Jake, who, in his words definitely intended that. At the very last closing seconds @ the end of the film where we see Truelove is being stalked by a professional FBI agent. It is noted that he is arrested at the end & taking into custody, along with all the other suspects involved in the crime. There are also sexual scenes that people should be aware of before watching this. I'm a proud owner of this excellent movie, &, as it says on the back of my beloved DVD. Alpha dog bites hard & doesn't let go!! Enjoy it!
AD
