This film is based on the horrific kidnapping and murder of 15 year old Nicholas Markowitz based in California and shows the involvement of crew leader and drug dealer Jesse James Hollywood in his mission to claim $1200 worth of drug money owed to them by Ben Markowitz, older half brother of Nicholas.
Back in the summer of 2000, the american press were shocked and intrigued to hear of a blatant day light kidnapping and then the horrific discovery of Nicholas Markowitz's body in a shallow grave in the hills above Sanat Barbara. When the film was released back in 2007, the actual true crime story hadnt reached its exact ending with the capture of Hollywood only being confirmed prior to release.
PLOT -
The plot of the film doesnt steer too far from the actual events of the kidnapping. Granted its better than a crime watch reconstruction!
We mainly follow Johnny Truelove who is a small time drug dealer and his gang in their attempt to gain back a small debt from an associate, also giving the viewer a look into the gang mechanics and the mindset of dealing with an issue which continues to grow
more and more desperate as the days go by. Johnny is provided marijuana by his dad Sonny Truelove which he then distributes at a profit making friends and enemies along the way. Jake Mazursky turns out to be one of his enemies as a discussion over his debt to Johnny turns out to a massive fight between the two which the gang eventually break up, leaving Jake to turn incredibly angry and bitter towards his former friend. This in turn leads up to the kidnapping of Jakes younger half brother Zack and the insuing hunt for his kidnappers and eventual killers.
CHARACTERS -
Johnny Truelove (Emile Hirsch, Speedracer) is leader of his crew and small time drug dealer. He is the mastermind behind the kidnapping. Real life name Jesse James Hollywood
Frankie Ballenbacher (Justin Timberlake, The Love Guru) is one of Johnny closest and trusted friends. He is one of the more concerned parties in the kidnapping. Real life name Jesse Rugge
Zack Mazursky (Anton Yelchin, Firece People) is the unfortunate victim of the piece. He is an innocent 15 year old, scared and intimidated by those around him. He looks up to his half brother and showing potential of drug use. Real life name Nicholas Markowitz
Jake Mazursky (Ben Foster, X-Men Last Stand) is the older half brother of Nicholas, has drug issues, finds it difficult to hold down a job, does not get on with his step mother and shows signs of Neo Nazi-ism. He has the debt owed to Johnny. Real life name Ben Markowitz
Elvis Schmidt (Shawn Hatosy, A Guy Thing) will do anything for Johnny, he looks up to him which Johnny takes advantage of although looking after him like a pet. A desperate character with no sense of self gratification. Real life name Ryan Holt
Olivia Mazursky (Sharon Stone, Casino) is Nicholas' mother. Step mum to Jake. Her motherly instincts are seen in this picture plus the outpouring of emotion after the kidnapping of her son. Real life name Susan Markowitz
Sonny Truelove (Bruce Willis, Die Hard) is the main provider for Johnnys business in drugs. Not a perfect background himself, its understandable to understand why Johnny follows in his fathers footsteps. Real life name John Jack Hollywood
Gang members include Bobby '911' Kaye (Alex Solowitz) real name Brian Affronti, Tiko 'TKO' Martinez (Fernando Vargas) real name William Skidmore, Keith Stratten (Chris Marquette) real name Graham Pressley and various girls including Susan (Dominique Swain) real name Natasha Adams Young and Angela, Johnnys girlfriend (Olivia Wilde) real name Michelle Lesher.
OVERALL -
Alpha Dog doesnt stray away from the facts of what actually happened, although glammed up a little by getting in very good young actors to play the roles, it tells a harrowing story of a kidnapping and murder. You warm to Nicholas and his familys plight in him going missing but you are also pushed into the middle of Johnnys gang dynamics and follow them as there fateful decisions are made. Definately one for the collection in my opinion with plenty of back story for you to continue your research after watching.
TECHNICAL STUFF -
Directed by Nick Cassavetes Run time 122 minutes Extras include witness time line and a making of.
Just to conclude, Jesse James Hollywood was convicted 08/07/09 of the kidnapping and murder of Nicholas Markowitz and was given a life sentance.
Hope you enjoyed reading, give this one a watch. Live the dream
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Production Year: 1998 - Drama - Director: Carl Franklyn, Carl Franklin - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Meryl Streep, William Hurt, Renee Zellweger, Tom Everett Scott, Nicky Katt, Lauren Graham
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2007 - Drama - Director: Mike Binder - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Donald Sutherland, Mike Binder
Alpha Dog is an urban drama following the self destruction of Johnny Truelove (Emile ... more
Hirsch) and his gang of friends. Living the thug wannabe's American dream of money beautiful girls and partying in Los Angeles' San Gabriel Valley - their existence i...
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Advantages: Great performances from Ben Foster and Shawn Hatosy. Disadvantages: A weak performance from Emile Hirsch and style-over-substance filmmaking.
afy9mab 07.01.2008 (07.01.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Alpha Dog (DVD)
Advantages: Good performances by Yelkin and Hirsch, follows story somewhat Disadvantages: Justin Timberlake, Cassavetes' handling of the material and story
eve6kicksass 15.05.2007 (15.05.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of AlphaDog (Wide Screen)-DVD
Advantages: Captures the spirit of these youths very well, great performances by most of the cast Disadvantages: A few bad performances, not a film people of a certain age will enjoy
Aug 26th, 2009
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