Courtesy of our friends over at Sony Pictures, I finally got to see the Sundance Award winning product of the Revolt Films and I am Other collaboration Dope.
So was the movie just that? Read the full review by clicking ‘more’ below.
Dope the coming of age movie tells the story of Malcolm (Shameik Moore), a smart straight A high school senior who along with his two best friends tomboy Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) and Jib (Tony Revolori) are the targets of bullies both at school and in their inner city neighbourhood for their love of 90s hip hop and culture.
After getting caught in the crossfire at a dope dealer’s birthday party, Malcolm discovers days later that the jailed dealer’s phone and supply had been planted in his book bag and begins a roller-coaster journey to untangle himself from the web in which his future at his first choice College, Harvard, hangs in the balance.
The first few minutes into the movie I was worried that the constant use of the N-Word and inner city buffoonery would equal a movie that would reinforce stereotypes and I was fast losing interest.
But as the film gained momentum, the themes explored in Malcolm’s character development really grounded the movie in an unapologetic authenticity which you will empathise with, especially if like me you have ever faced the teen struggles that inner city life poses. The development even went as far as contextualising my initial perception, rendering it null and void.
I enjoyed the film’s exploration of the struggle of trying to thrive in an environment with encourages low aspiration and how to maintain an identity when caught between two worlds. I also enjoyed how the film tackled how to navigate a dangerous unwanted situation without crying over spilt milk.
All in all solid performances from Rick Fox, Chanel Iman, A$AP Rocky, Shameik Moore, Zoe Kravitz and the rest of the cast. Definitely 103 minutes well spent!
Dope (Rated 15) comes out on general release in the UK on 4th September 2015.
Reviewer: Aaron Wilson
