Never Die Alone (2004)

26% of critics liked it
(90 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(10,067 ratings)

From a script from first-time scribe James Gibson comes this filmed adaptation of ex-gangster Donald Goines' 1974 novel Never Die Alone. Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson (Juice, Bones), the films stars David Arquette as Paul Pawlowski, a reporter who takes an interest in gang kingpin King David,… More From a script from first-time scribe James Gibson comes this filmed adaptation of ex-gangster Donald Goines' 1974 novel Never Die Alone. Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson (Juice, Bones), the films stars David Arquette as Paul Pawlowski, a reporter who takes an interest in gang kingpin King David, played by rapper/actor DMX. When King David is killed, Pawlowski happens upon the criminal's journal and envelops himself in his story. From there, the rise and fall of King David is covered in flashbacks as Pawlowski makes his way through the diary. Aisha Tyler and Jennifer Sky co-star. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Ernest R. Dickerson
Written By: James Gibson
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Mar 26, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Jul 13, 2004
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
Thumbs down for me.
Richard Harrington, Washington Post
A bumbling adaptation.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
What makes Never Die Alone so monumentally terrible isn't just its bearhugging of gangsta flick convention, but its desperate attempt to imbue run-of-the-mill crime with noir classicism.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
The various stories are strong enough to compensate for any acting deficiencies.
Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
DMX has all the charisma you'd expect of a music star, and he uses it to portray King David as larger than life.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Never Die Alone has the allure of a bad traffic accident. You don't want to look at it, but for some reason you can't avert your eyes.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Violent movie starring rapper DMX is not for kids.
David Cornelius, eFilmCritic.com
This is not a workable drama, just a series of ideas that rap stars who worship Scarface think would be cool to see.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Not only should DMX not be allowed to act but he also shouldn't be allowed to rap on commentary tracks.
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
It's too bad the filmmakers couldn't find a way to present [Goines's] vision without resorting to some pretty threadbare clichés.
Sean Burns, Philadelphia Weekly
His death was moving; his life was not. It's a requiem for a scumbag--one who left a whole lotta decent people destroyed in his wake.
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
[A] gritty film noir [about] a sleazy drug pusher looking for redemption, but who - in classic noir fashion - learns that there is no escaping paying for one's past sins.
Annlee Ellingson, Boxoffice Magazine
Hampered by its convoluted plot and a marked melodramatic streak that counteracts the film's cool factor.
Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com
There's neither action nor thrill in this so-called action thriller, and there's really no reason to sit through it.
Willie Waffle, WaffleMovies.com
Never Die Alone is one of those dreadful movies that wants us to think it is deep and philosophical, but it's junk masquerading as art.
Todd Gilchrist, FilmStew.com
If movies like Bad Lieutenant and Spun are your idea of a good time, then DMX has the film for you.
Linda Cook, Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)
This is a violence-ridden movie with one of the most despicable characters you ever will see.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lady D

A slow starting Urban Thriller that is worth bearing with to reveal the true plot behind the film. In honesty the film is just easy watching, but has been seen time and time again and offers nothing new to this style of film.
Bobby H

Movies awesome. DMX's best film. It's kind of insane, and tragic, through out the entire movie - but the storyline and twist, and everything, is beyond good. It's sad but great, at the same time. It tells it like it is. Check it out
Joseph E

Somehow this dark fiction, seems to work out very well.
George K

Disappointed with this one. Had a few moments where I thought okay this movie might have some promise. The only character you somewhat care for is the one played by Michael Ealy. He was the only one who seemed to have depth where the others appeared to be superficial and lost.
Chosen 7

Good film, hard to watch at certain points though.