Abstract: A method and device for reducing excessive door or hatch closing velocity. An actuator containing a force alignment channel causes piston movement within a hydraulic cylinder creating resistance to prevent door or hatch slamming. Closing of the car door is against the resistance of the hydraulic cylinder as hydraulic fluid moves through at least one channel to allow hydraulic fluid to move from a first side of the piston to a second side of a piston. The resistance of the hydraulic cylinder to an incremental movement in the car door varies during the closing of the car door. A force alignment channel within an actuator creates variation of the resistance of the hydraulic cylinder to the incremental movement in the car door by varying a rate of movement of the piston within the hydraulic cylinder per degree of closure of the car door.