Top "Dog"

A final ruling has come down in that court case involving the release of the film Alpha Dog.

Justin Timberlake's Acting "Skills" Will Be Unleashed Tomorrow As planned

The Associated Press has the story:

A court ruled the film "Alpha Dog," which is based on an ongoing murder case, can open Friday as scheduled, even though a defense lawyer contended it could taint the jury pool for the upcoming trial.

The movie's stars include Justin Timberlake, Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an emergency request by the alleged killer's attorney to delay the release. Universal Studios had argued that doing so would be unconstitutional prior restraint of free speech.

Attorney James Blatt, who represents Jesse James Hollywood, appealed after a federal judge refused last month to stop the release.

Blatt said he was not surprised by the appellate panel's ruling on Monday.

"It's difficult to take on the First Amendment. The standard for prior restraint is so tremendously high," he said. "How do you prove you can't find 12 impartial jurors?"

Although the main character has a different name, the film is based on the suspected role of Hollywood in the kidnapping and slaying of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz seven years ago.

The teen's body was found in a remote Santa Barbara County camping area.

Prosecutors believe Hollywood, portrayed in the movie by actor Emile Hirsch, was the mastermind behind the murder plot. He was captured in Brazil in 2005 and has pleaded not guilty to charges that could carry the death penalty if he is convicted.

Markowitz was killed as part of a feud between Hollywood and the victim's older half-brother over a $1,200 drug debt, prosecutors contend. Four other people have been convicted in connection to the kidnap-murder.

My "questions" concerning Timberlake as an actor aside, as I write this, the reviews for the movie are actually pretty solid. With all of the legal wrangling now behind it, it will be interesting to see how the average movie-watcher will respond to the drama.

Truth be told, I am curious to see the film--but strictly as a rental though...