Never Die Alone

Despite the unintentionally comedic special effects and the stop-and-go story-telling techniques, the film’s underlying message and DMX’s commanding performance make this gangster action flick a worthwhile ride. The rapper-turned-actor stars in this adaptation of Donald Goines’ semi-autobiographical novel as a drug-pushing thug caught in the vicious cycle of violence and retribution that his own criminal actions have ignited. David Arquette co-stars as an aspiring journalist who listens to the malicious exploits and plans for self-redemption that the kingpin recorded on several audiotapes. Director Ernest R. Dickerson uses slow motion that makes the melodrama laughable, and he incorporates too much grainy flashback footage on a shaky hand-held camera at odd, sideways angles. However, the uplifting theme about finding the road to righteousness and DMX’s domineering screen presence will hold your attention long enough to make sure that the stars don’t die alone on screen.