Dope
The latest hit at the Sundance Film Festival, “Dope” is sure to be the summer, pop-culture favorite in theaters. Produced by Forest Whitaker and written/directed by Rick Famuyiwa, this quick paced comedy is also a great coming of age story with profound statements about race, society and stereotypes. Pharrell Williams executive produces and contributes quite a bit to the wonderful soundtrack as well.
Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is a nerdy, African American, straight A high school student living in Inglewood, California-a rough LA suburb. He doesn’t fit the “neighborhood norm” of gangsters and drug dealers. In contrast, he is huge fan of everything 90’s… from his flat top hairdo , BMX bike, high-waisted acid wash jeans and even being the front to his punk band with his two other nerdy friends Jim (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons).
With an unexpected invitation to an underground party, the geeky trio end up with more than they bargained for after the party ends with a drug raid and Malcolm (unbeknownst to him) leaves with his backpack full of drugs (“Molly”) and a pistol. Unable to return the drugs to the owner, they are now tasked with the job of selling the drugs and delivering the money instead. Using their intellectual skills and abilities, the three successfully sell the drugs and enter a gangster world they never wanted for themselves.
In the end, Malcolm uses these life lessons of street savvy to complete his Harvard Application. The movie begs the question… “Who am I?” and leaves the viewer contemplating all the answers. This is definitely one of our favorite films of the year and a wonderful 9 out 10 stars!
