By Ryan Parsons | Images property of New Line Cinema
Alpha Dog
Though we were initially shocked to see Alpha Dog in the top ten here at CanMag.Com, the position is not entirely unfounded.
New Line Cinema is currently using three aspects of the film to help draw attention to its premise and moviegeors to the theatres.
First, the film is based on a troubling true story.
Second, Alpha Dog will attract moviegoers who enjoy gangster/hip hop style movies.
Third, Alpha Dog is likely to receive more critical acclaim before its release; something that will help pick up some straggling moviegoers.
To help get Alpha Dog on the right foot, we have recently been alerted by 'Lisa' to another early review for the film starring Justin Timberlake and Emile Hirsch.
Alpha Dog Review
HollywoodReporter posted a positive review for Alpha Dog after seeing the film at Sundance.
The review admits that the cast is excellent and the film is solid. But will the subject matter be so disturbing that it will push audiences away?
You watch "Alpha Dog" in the conflicted grip of fascination, horror and, to be honest, depression. Writer-director Nick Cassavetes takes a viewer into a heart of darkness that exists right in Southern California's San Fernando Valley among mostly white, suburban young people adrift in a sea of drugs, sex, booze and violence. Parents are either "cool" with this or clueless. Traditional social structure has broken down, replaced by a hedonistic youth culture and "gangsta" lifestyle utterly lacking in any moral sensibility or control. What's worse, this is a true story.
This is a well-made ensemble movie in which actors take chances with uncomfortably repulsive characters or roles unlike any previous performances. Make no mistake though: This will be a hard sell for New Line. The gangsta element and hip-hop soundtrack might be selling points, but is that really the right crowd for this movie? Critical acclaim will help, but the film's dispassionate point of view might cause mixed reactions.
We are still waiting on a set release date for Alpha Dog and a finished trailer for the film.
Alpha Dog will come to theatrs spring 2006.
For movie info, movie stills, trailer, synopsis and trailer mirror, go to the Alpha
Dog Movie Page.
Alpha Dog
Add to Heffee!
