This is Donald Goines, not some wanna be street wise Tarantino Pulp Fiction junk. This movie will not appeal to those looking for a hero or a silver lining. You don't necessarily have had to live this kind of life, but it helps to understand the characters' motivations. The film doesn't glorify violence, misogyny, or the hustla's lifestyle. Life is not always clearly defined. There is not always a clear line between a hero and a villain. We all make choices and we all have to live with the consequences. You don't have to agree with the lifestyles of the characters in this film, but you should realize that this film was based on the real life experiences of the author. The street life, not as you want it to be, as you wish it to be, but as it is. "Never Die Alone" presents this lifestyle. 'It ain't where you from, it's where you at', not just physically but mentally.

I wanted to let you guys know that this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's got a clear message in it and uses images to tell the story. The light at the end of the tunnel at the end of the movie is very touching and well thought. I don't understand why the rating is so low. I admit it's annoying that he talks all the time. but that's necessary to know the story. I think it's based on a true story, maybe that's the reason of the low rating, because of it's cruelty. But hey, that's life. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did! This really is a masterpiece. I thought the storyline was well connected and had a clear message in it, all the time. Hope this was useful to you.

For starters story is very smart. That's the stand out thing in the movie. Interesting how one person can affect so many. But it seemed very short.Acting wise it was average I guess. I'm a fan of DMX and think he isn't a bad actor. But most characters he's played are pretty similar. Good job by the supporting cast as well. David Arquette was the a stand out.Overall an enjoyable movie. I was looking forward to seeing this movie very much for some reason, and it didn't let me down, but it wasn't perfect either. Once you've watched it you'll probably think something was missing because of the shortness, but there isn't (I think!). I look forward to reading the book.

I was rather impressed with how strong this film is. Having heard not much about it I was expecting another 'In Da Hood' film. I didn't have much confidence in Ernest Dickerson (Surviving the Game, Demon Knight) as his direction hasn't matured in the past decade. I eat my words now. He definitely brings a strong visual integrity to Never Die Alone.DMX turns in a believable performance as King David a New York drug dealer who legs it to LA when he steals his bosses stash. Upon his return years later he is promptly offed by a two-bit thug. In his dying moments he bequeaths his entire legacy to investigative reporter David Arquette (who is great in his role too). Before the night is over Arquette pieces together his life and an awful past full of heinous crimes is unleashed, but it's not over yet and Arquette becomes marked for death by King David's still very angry boss.In a mere 88 minutes Never Die Alone tells an intriguing story in non-chronological order and sets up a remarkable array of complexly interwoven characters. It's surely a character drama first before anything else. Don't misjudge it as being no more than a violent 'gangsta' thriller. The violence is brutal and honest but it does not distract, none of it is superfluous.Dickerson's direction has a Gothic, urban noir edge to it that has the feel of a 1950's pulp novel. It's dark, very dark and some may feel slightly uncomfortable with how frank Never Die Alone is in it's depiction of misogyny and the utter ruthlessness of it's central, highly evil character.The DVD is in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with Dolby 5.1 sound. There are a bunch of extras I never had time to check out. But this is definitely a movie for fans of (the initially unrecognisable) DMX, just don't expect one of those nice but bad characters he played in Exit Wounds or Cradle 2 the Grave. King David is a bad, bad man.