Much of the discussion about Alpha Dog has centered around the morally suspect role that this movie plays in glamorizing a notorious drug dealer and murderer, Jesse James Hollywood, as well as the questionable behavior of the prosecutor in the case, Ronald J. Zonen, who allowed the makers of the movie full access to classified legal documents from the case. Personally, though, I don’t see what all the hubbub is about. It’s not like this is the first movie that glamorize a criminal, and it’s not like various law-enforcement agencies haven’t bent over time and time again for the chance to participate in the movie-making experience.

To me, the far more important question about this movie is ‘what the hell were the casting directors thinking?!?!’ I’ll admit that I’m a fan of Justin Timberlake’s music…I mean, the guy did bring sexy back, right? And to be honest, I don’t mind Justin Timberlake jumping into the acting frey…every other musician is doing it, so why not? I’ll also admit that I really enjoyed Emile Hirsch’s last movie, The Girl Next Door, you know, the one where the pornstar moves in next to the High School geek (Hirsch).

The problem that I have is that Timberlake and Hirsch are not dangerous or scary or any of the things that Jesse James Hollywood and his friends are supposed to be. And I think that the trailer supports this. Alpha Dog doesn’t look like a story about a drug dealer and future member of the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List. It looks like the campy tale of a few friends who get caught up in some adolescent hijinks.

Unfortunately, I’m gonna have to go with a SKIP IT for this one. I admit that I’m a little curious to see whether or not Justin Timberlake has any acting ability, but I think I’ll be able to sleep at night without knowing.

Alpha Dog is rated R and opens January 12. (Official Site)