Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7735 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-08-20
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Surround Sound, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 113 minutes

Synopsis
A difficult gestation period led to Nick Cassavetes's ALPHA DOG being delayed and facing possible legal battles after the real-life subject of the film (alleged kidnapper and murderer Jesse James Hollywood) objected to his portrayal. The cinematic version of Hollywood is named Johnny Truelove and played by Emile Hirsch (LORDS OF DOGTOWN). Truelove is a wild 18-year-old who deals drugs for a living and hangs out with his posse, who revolve around a core of Frankie (Justin Timberlake), Elvis (Shawn Hatosy), and Tiko (Fernando Vargas). When a client of Truelove's, Jake Mazursky (Ben Foster), is unable to pay off his crystal-meth debt, the group kidnaps his 15-year-old stepbrother, Zack (Anton Yelchin), who becomes a Patty Hearst-like accomplice in his own abduction. Indeed, Zack positively revels in his new position, and lives it up with the boys at every opportunity he gets. But Cassavetes's film really revs into gear as the cops close in on Truelove's band of outsiders, and they face a tough decision about what to do with Zack. The real draw here is Justin Timberlake, and he makes a decent job of his role as a bodyguard/friend to the kidnapped kid. Covered in tattoos and oozing testosterone, Timberlake revels in his role, and his female following will find plenty to gush over here. The film itself is executed at a lightning-fast pace, with quick jump cuts and on-screen captions that point out who the witnesses in the case were. Cassavetes plays around with split-screen techniques and nonlinear storytelling, but he remains acutely aware of what his young target audience is seeking from a modern crime drama, not letting the tension drop for a second. Small roles for Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis provide suitable support to the young cast, and a thumping rap and metal soundtrack supplies a perfect backdrop to the explosive on-screen shenanigans.

Customer Reviews

Seriously powerful
You might think that being based on the true life tale of Jesse James Hollywood (it's really only the names that are changed), all the tension would be gone from this movie - we all already know the ending, right? In this case, however, that doesn't happen, and that's totally down to the relationship between Anton Yelchin as the eventual victim and Justin Timberlake (yes, I know he's a pretty boy singer but the guy can and does act extremely well in this movie). It's heartbreaking to watch the story unfold and you really feel for this poor, trusting kid who honestly believes that his kidnappers are cool guys and that they'll be taking him home after a few beers and spliffs. Ben Foster also puts in an amazing show, but the entire cast is excellent and they're what keeps the film believable.

It is an excellent movie and well worth a watch but as per the drug culture it depicts every other word out of their mouths is an expletive so if you're not into swearing, then this is probably one to avoid. I urge you not to though, because there's a very real story under here.

Fascinating
Based on a true story (Jesse James Hollywood), this film brings out some very fine acting from Timberlake, Stone, and a host of first class actors.

This is edge of the seat stuff when you can see the terrible consequences unfold - you want to warn the characters to make different choices. But it doesn't happen, up to the tragic end. The film boasts some excellent music and the editing leaves you always in anticipation of the next turn of the story.

The real JJ Hollywood was one of the youngest ever on the FBI most wanted list. It is somewhat sad to see young lives wasted by a mindless pride and over petty squabbles, but that is an aspect of the generation we have raised.

Well worth watching.


See also: Echo Park, L.A. (Quinceanera) (2006)

What an amazing film
I never got a chance to see this in the cinema so went out and got it as soon as it hit the shops. Well worth the money. It had me gripped from start to finish. Based on true events, the story was good, acting good ( yes JT too ) and the ending was very moving. I couldnt get it out of my head even days after seeing it. Go buy this movie