Dope- Movie Review

Rating: B+

Review: What do you get when 90's hip hop is fused with a nerdy bunch of kids from Inglewood with undying charisma? In this case, you get a DOPE movie. The film Dope, starring Shameik Moore, tells the tale of Malcolm and his two friends, Jib and Diggy, as they encounter a wild, drugged fueled adventure. 

At first glance, I was not willing to give this movie a chance. I vividly remember seeing the trailer for Dope. As I was sitting in the theater getting ready for Mad Max: Fury Road, the trailer played and I laughed to myself. I think most would agree that the film, at first glance, looked extremely different. I honestly thought it was a giant commercial to hype up new Pharrell songs. I had no intention of seeing the movie. Yet, being the buff that I am, when I was given the opportunity to check out this film, I jumped on it. And boy, was I surprised.

I went into this film knowing absolutely nothing. I hadn't watched or read a single review. I just knew the buzz surrounding the film was predominantly positive. Up until the film started, I honestly thought it was going to be a ninety minute, stereotypical, raunchy humor type film. Instead, I saw a creative, charismatic, original, and hilarious coming of age film. This movie honestly blew me away. The lead Shameik Moore (Malcolm) absolutely hit a home-run. Although a nerd with a rough situation, he never once asked the audience for sympathy. Instead, we all fell in love with him. Every actor/actress in this film did a splendid job. Tony Revolori (Jib) and Kiersey Clemons (Diggy) were just awesome and really helped support Moore's leading performance. Also, Zoe Kravitz (Nakia) did a very solid job. I totally bought into her situation. 

I also need to give the soundtrack the recognition it deserves. Visually, this movie ruled. Yet, the music has to be noted. The music was one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. It was a major throwback to old school hip-hop. When a movie features songs by A Tribe Called Quest, it's okay by me. 

The fun thing about this movie is how different it truly is. You will never see anything similar to Dope in the near future. It blends the various aspects of other coming of ages films and produces an original twist on it. It has an upbeat, vibrant tone that can simply not be replicated. Dope is the type of movie that has something for everybody. You will outright laugh out loud, but will also completely buy into the dramatic tension filled moments. Besides a few questionable storyline moments, (you'll know what I'm talking about when you see it) Dope is one of the better films you will see this summer.