I just watched “Alpha Dog“. It wasn’t the movie I was looking for, I just grabbed it by accident. It had a cheesy title, way too many people on the cover, and an overall B-movie feel to it. I got it anyway, just to have some extra movies to watch over the weekend. I’m glad I did.
I think there should be more movies like this. And then, hopefully, there will be fewer cases such as the one shown in the film. Nobody wanted for things to go bad. But those people who could have kept the situation under control, weren’t near enough. Then things started spinning down. Then they continued. Then nobody knew what to do and how to get out. The result - dead teenager and a few more broken lives. Who’s fault? Everybody’s. The kids themselves are guilty of what happened. Most of their parents are guilty. The society as a whole has the part of that guilt…
The film like this, with all its messages, thoughts, and story developments could have easily survived with weaker technical sides. Gladly, the film was done excellent on all levels. The cast was very good, and even though Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, and Justin Timberlake are in, they aren’t the highlights of the film. OK, maybe with the exception of Justin. The photography was very interesting at places, and helped to create the atmosphere (especially that scene with parents waiting for the kidnapped child at home). The soundtrack was great too.
Overall, a strong 8 out of 10. A must see for parents with kids, fans of criminal drama, and those who simply like good movies.
