Never Die Alone is a typical gangster movie about violence, drugs, sex and retribution.
On the streets where violence is a vicious cycle, King David (DMX) rules the streets. There are no surprises here, therefore suspense is limited and makes it a difficult film to hold interest. The film opens with DMX lying in a cardboard coffin in his Sunday's best. We hear his familiar gruff voice tell the story of a man whose wrong-doings finally catch up with him. We watch as two days earlier he is stabbed by two men seeking revenge on him. For what, we do not know. Paul (David Arquette), a random man sitting in the bar by the crime scene rushes to David's aid and drives him to the hospital. At the hospital David dies, but he must have felt indebted to his white knight, so he leaves Paul with his car, some money and his bling. Inside of a book given to Paul is a series of audio tapes. David has recorded the story of his life, and enthralled by urban culture, Paul listens as we watch the story unfold.
The film is dark and grainy, which adds to the morbid vibe that is felt throughout. Innocent people die, people overdose on drugs and ruin their lives and women are used as objects. There is nothing positive and redeeming about this movie and legitimately so. There are no perks to the seedy world of drugs and violence. The characters in the film are truly loathsome. They are people you never hope to come across. The plot is shaky and the film is too short to really develop strong relationships and histories between characters.
DMX is quite good as an actor, but his abilities are limited. He seems to do best playing himself or portraying a life that he knows well. His character shows little remorse or emotional depth and this works for DMX, as he is known to the public as a tough gangster type who has affection for Pitbulls. I would enjoy seeing DMX in an emotional role, as it seems the real DMX is an emotional man who cries real tears and has a strong faith. David Arquette doesn't have much of a role and is mainly overshadowed by the charismatic DMX. The supporting players all offer strong performances as they grieve and struggle to pull themselves from a grave depression.
The film can be engrossing at times and characters are all intriguing. More development for plot and characters would have benefited the movie. The film has promise and borders on good, however, it just needs more.
As a DVD it has quite a bit to offer. DMX and the director Ernest Dickerson have a full length audio commentary, there are eleven deleted scenes and there is a making of the film.
Movie Grade: B-
DVD ...
