Dope (2015)
Life changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Writer: Rick Famuyiwa
Stars: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons | See full cast and crew »
Storyline
A coming of age comedy/drama for the post hip hop generation. Malcolm is a geek, carefully surviving life in The Bottoms, a tough neighborhood in Inglewood, CA filled gangsters and drugs dealers, while juggling his senior year of college applications, interviews and the SAT. His dream is to attend Harvard. A chance invitation to a big underground party leads Malcolm and his friends into a, only in Los Angeles, gritty adventure filed with offbeat characters and bad choices. If Malcolm can persevere, he'll go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
User Reviews
Life changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.
This is a film that relies heavily on the likability of its characters and style of its director. Thankfully these aspects culminate in a film that is extremely funny and deeply heartfelt.
Characters are key here and director Rick Famuyiwa displays them in a uniquely whimsical way. Front and center is "Malcom", delightfully played by Shameik Moore, he seeps his lovable, geeky charm into the role, which in turn allows for maximum audience investment into the character. His two best friends "Jib" and "Diggy" are perfectly encapsulated by Toni Revolori and Kiersey Clemons, they have some of the most gut-wrenching moments in the film showcased by true comedic talent.
The way in which this film is directed gains it much of its creditability, it's fresh setting and eccentric characters set it apart from Clichê. It's a story told from a idiosyncratic perspective, which adds to the poignant nature of its narrative. It also has one of the best soundtracks of this year and incorporates its songs excellently into the plot.
As for negatives, I felt Malcom's love interest "Nakia" lacked character development, also I personally taught that some scenes didn't mesh well into the story thus the tone wasn't always as consistent as I would have liked.
But Overall I really enjoyed Dope, its whimsical nature, unique direction and lovable characters make it a stand out in the comedic genre of this year. I am going to give it a 8.2/10.
This is a film that relies heavily on the likability of its characters and style of its director. Thankfully these aspects culminate in a film that is extremely funny and deeply heartfelt.
Characters are key here and director Rick Famuyiwa displays them in a uniquely whimsical way. Front and center is "Malcom", delightfully played by Shameik Moore, he seeps his lovable, geeky charm into the role, which in turn allows for maximum audience investment into the character. His two best friends "Jib" and "Diggy" are perfectly encapsulated by Toni Revolori and Kiersey Clemons, they have some of the most gut-wrenching moments in the film showcased by true comedic talent.
The way in which this film is directed gains it much of its creditability, it's fresh setting and eccentric characters set it apart from Clichê. It's a story told from a idiosyncratic perspective, which adds to the poignant nature of its narrative. It also has one of the best soundtracks of this year and incorporates its songs excellently into the plot.
As for negatives, I felt Malcom's love interest "Nakia" lacked character development, also I personally taught that some scenes didn't mesh well into the story thus the tone wasn't always as consistent as I would have liked.
But Overall I really enjoyed Dope, its whimsical nature, unique direction and lovable characters make it a stand out in the comedic genre of this year. I am going to give it a 8.2/10.
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