THE STARS: Justin Timberlake, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Sharon Stone, Bruce Willis, Dominique Swain.
THE STORY: Spoiled dope-dealer Johnny (Hirsch) owes money to skinhead Jake (Foster), so Johnny and his mates (who include singer Timberlake) kidnap Jake's brother Zack. It turns out to be a stupid plan, and Johnny debates killing his hostage
WHAT'S GOOD? Based loosely on the real-life story of Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who graduated to become one of the youngest-ever people on the FBI's most-wanted list, this gripping true-crime drama is one of the best indie films of the year and features top-notch performances from Timberlake, Hirsch and Foster (playing a chilling psycho skinhead). Stylishly and thoughtfully directed by Nick Cassavetes, Alpha Dog is occasionally chilling, but always absorbing.
WHAT'S BAD? This tortured tale of affluent teens going wrong certainly won't click with some audiences and, while it's nice to see the likes of Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone crop up in minor roles, they actually add little to the party and end up slightly jarring the structure of the film. Minor quibbles though!
HOW LONG IS IT? An absorbing 117 mins.
FINAL VERDICT: Smart crime drama with topnotch Timberlake.
Opens Friday, April 20