It comes to something…
…when Justin Timberlake is the best thing about a film. Alpha Dog is the film in question, and it is rubbish. Pointless and annoying use of split screen, a story ‘based on true events’ that leaves you scratching your head why anybody would think it worthwhile committing it to celluloid, and uniformly terrible performances, including an hilariously hammy turn from Sharon Stone, padded out with ‘fat fuck’ make-up. The great Harry Dean Stanton wanders into view occasionally, clearly befuddled about what he’s supposed to be doing, and Bruce Willis sports a distracting hairpiece.
Nick Cassavetes, the director, is the son of John Cassavetes, the ’60s/’70s improv-heavy indie director/actor. Clearly he’s inherited none of his dad’s talents.
And yet, and yet… I was talking with Rachel after we’d watched it, and mentioned that, unlike many other pursuits, I don’t begrudge the loss of an hour or two when I’ve seen a crap film. It’s still a film, and even a shit film is better than no film.
Hey…i watched and movie and i didnt think it was that bad…i know what you are saying about the whole sharon stone make up…it was way to bad…I’m not a film expert so i cant say many things as for the direction, but i didnt find it that bad either…
Well, maybe I was being a little harsh. Justin Timberlake was actually pretty good in it. But the guy playing the ostensible lead - whatever his name was - was just completely… whatever the opposite of magnetic is. I didn’t give a shit about his story, and it is supposed to be his story. I read a review of the film the other day that pointed out the story should’ve really centred more on the poor kid they murdered, which was pretty perceptive I thought. That might’ve made for a more sympathetic movie.
i cant understand……