Alpha Dog is not a fun story. It is not a happy story. But it is a good story.

Alpha Dog is based on a true story of the circumstances that lead a young drug dealer, Jesse James Hollywood, to become one of the youngest men ever to be on the FBI’s most wanted list.

The film presents the events that surrounded the crime and shows nearly 40 witnesses during the time that the events occurred. The film seems to ask, “How could a crime go so far with so many witnesses?”

I would answer that because the victim did not appear to be a victim at all. He appears to just be another kid hanging out and is treated as such most of the time.

Although at first it seems like kids just having fun, being a bit wild and experimental, I had a hard time dealing with some of the traits of the characters. They are openly homophobic, racist and anti-Semitic. Likely, the people they are based on carry these traits and thus, the writer is portraying them accurately.

But displaying these tendencies probably also served to strengthen dislike for the characters. You might be able to relate to the characters as misdirected youth, just trying to have a good time. But ultimately, you should see them as ignorant, self-serving cowards.

I suppose that is reiterated by the fact that they are drug dealers. While most of us slave away at ‘regular’ jobs, drug dealers live ‘the good life.’ Sure, they risk getting arrested and going to prison and endure threats on their lives. But not everyday, right?

I was amazed by how many times there were opportunities for the crime to have been stopped. But people either lacked the knowledge or the courage to do anything.

I always ask myself after watching movies about crimes, would I have acted differently? I’d like to think so, but you can never really know unless you are actually faced with such a situation.

Still, I can’t help but wonder why this character didn’t just do this, or that character didn’t just do that. I’d like to think that films like this might help prevent similar circumstances; that maybe someone will watch this movie and then when faced with a similar situation, do something about it instead of just doing nothing.

But that’s probably too idealistic. If nothing else, it should make you thankful you’ve never had to deal with anything like the events in the movie. Hopefully you haven’t and hopefully you never will.

As bleak as the story is, I did enjoy the film. Emile Hirsch does a good job as the slick drug dealer everyone looks up to. Justin Timberlake is charming - a trait that is pivotal to the circumstances that unfold. Several other actors add the necessary dimensions to round out the film. But Ben Foster really steals the movie. His psychotic persona is captivating. They should do a sequel with just him.

If you’re looking for a film that’s merely entertaining and carries a Hollywood ending, look elsewhere. If you want a film that will leave you in shock and awe, go see Alpha Dog.

Grade: A