Alpha Dog

Alpha Dog marks the film debut of Justin Timberlake in the story of suburban drug-dealers who bite off more than they can chew in a quest to add excitement to their vapid existence.

Based on true events, the movie chronicles the exploits of Johnny Truelove (Emile Hirsch, who I’d never heard of prior to this flick), a fake-ass thug who is a major weed supplier in California. Truelove and his band of idiots (including Timberlake) spend their days getting high in the California sun, having sex, pissing away their parents’ money, and generally behaving like disgusting pricks. When one of Truelove’s customers fails to make good on a debt, he decides to kidnap the guy’s younger brother Zack and hold him for ransom. The plot goes awry when Truelove, genius that he is, realizes that he’ll actually go to jail if he releases the hostage. What happens next is tragic and heartbreaking, as Zack is a naïve, sympathetic character. He’s out of his league with Truelove’s crew, failing to see that his demise is imminent.

Alpha Dog was wack as hell to me, partly because I think the individuals on whom the movie is based are lame. Every character is a shallow poser. I’ve heard that the film received critical praise at Sundance, and I’m astounded by that. Writer/director Nick Cassavetes has tried to present a psychological study of disaffected youth, but he’s failed miserably. Alpha Dog tries to be edgy, but just seems corny and ridiculous. The characters don’t have to be likeable (they’re actually deplorable), but it would be okay if they were at least interesting. They all seem like spoiled little shits, and as a viewer I could care less what happened to them. They weren’t even cool, despite Cassavetes’ lackluster attempt to make them bad-ass. Veterans Bruce Willis (Lucky Number Slevin) and Sharon Stone (Bobby) cannot save the movie with their supporting roles. Timberlake had his moments, but overall his acting was corny as well. He needs to work on his delivery…he might end up being a decent actor with a little more practice. If you want to watch a movie about white kids getting loaded and not giving a damn, rent Kids or Black & White.

Children of Men

Children of Men presents one of the more fascinating movie plots in recent memory. The year is 2027, and planet Earth has become a barren wasteland, literally and figuratively. The only functioning society is found in London, as the rest of the civilized world has ceased to exist. All “immigrants” are arrested and anarchy fills the streets of London’s surrounding areas. As if it couldn’t be any worse, the surviving human beings face certain extinction, as women and men are infertile and the population dwindles. Enter Clive Owen (Sin City, Closer). It seems that his ex-wife (Julianne Moore, The Forgotten, Freedomland) needs him to transport an illegal immigrant (a character named Kee) to safety. This is no ordinary immigrant; rather this is a young lady who has managed to do what no one else in the world has been able to do for 20 years: become pregnant. Protected by a fringe political group, Owen’s character must shield his young charge from the government and escort her to a neighboring city for amnesty. They dodge bullets as it becomes clear that Kee’s protectors have their own agenda and plan for her and the unborn child.

Children of Men paints a provocative, bleak picture of the future that is both fascinating and depressing. Clive Owen is excellent as the reluctant hero, and you can’t help cheering for him and Kee. The movie falls short in its ending, which is rather abrupt. I saw it with a friend who also thought it started slowly. I think Children of Men is a good movie to check out if you like food for thought. The acting is great, with good supporting performances by Michael Caine (Batman Begins) and Chiwtel Ejiofor (Dirty Pretty Things, Four Brothers). If you’re looking for something a little outside the box, check it out.