Alpha Dog (2006) - Review and Analysis by Jason Pitt for Critical-Film.com

Alpha Dog (2006) A film review by Jason Pitt For Critical-film.com   A problem that lies inherently within “Based on True Event” films is that liberties are always taken. This is completely acceptable and even necessary, given that film is a creative medium. However, these changes to the central and factual storyline often add nothing of consequence to the film, or even worse, are detrimental to the films overall impact. “Alpha Dog” seems like one of those films. It is based on true events, and while I am not familiar with the events that actually did transpire, there are a few sequences in the film which seem terribly out of place, and suggest that they may have been added strictly for the purpose of titillation.   The central premise concerns the kidnapping of a 15-year old boy, as a result of his brother owing money to a cowardly drug dealer. A friendship soon develops between the boy and one of his kidnappers, as the situation spirals more and more out of control. The kidnappers soon realize that there isn't really any way to let the boy go after all that's transpired.   The most significant problem with “Alpha Dog” is that the characters are all so cut-and-dry. Johnny truelove, the cowardly drug dealer, is exactly that. He has no redeeming qualities – he's an asshole to his friends, and cares about nothing but money. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Zack Mazursky, the kidnapped boy. He's done nothing wrong to anyone, and seems like an innocent kid throughout the entire film. These characters are both fine, however, as they are the films antagonist and protagonist, respectively, albeit taken to extremes. The problem lies in the fact that there is only one character with any semblance of dimensionality; Justin Timberlake does a good job with Frankie, creating the only genuine character in the whole film. His relationship with Zack is the only one of consequence, and his character seems genuinely conflicted by the situation as it develops. It's really the lone bright spot in a film consisting of mostly cardboard cut-out characters.   As the film spirals more and more to its conclusion, we, as an audience don't really gain much of anything. We don't gain any insight into the events that are happening, or why the characters act the way they do, aside from being domineered by their cowardly friend, who is too afraid to do his own dirty work. Why they allow themselves to tolerate his bullshit is beyond me… but I suppose he wouldn't be the ‘bad guy' if he wasn't a complete dick. It just so happens he'd be completely powerless without the very friends he abuses so frequently. I hope the real life Johnny Truelove was a little more bad-ass, and actually deserved his place on the FBI's most wanted list. I also hope the true story was a little more involving and interesting.   (Two and a half stars)   This review was provided in HTML format, as your browser is not capable of displaying flash content. To experience Critical-Film.com the way it was meant to be seen, please download the flash player from <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW">Macromedia</a>.