Starring: Shameik Moore, Kiersey Clemons, Tony Revolori, Zoe Kravitz, Chanel Iman
Dope
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Rating: 4/5
Dope was another film that was a huge hit at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and it has been gathering momentum ever since - it really does look set to be another indie film that is not to be missed this September.
In Dope, Malcolm (Moore) is carefully surviving life in a tough neighbourhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
Dope marks the return of Rick Famuyiwa to the writing and directing duties for the first time since Our Family Wedding back in 2010 - and he must be truly applauded for what he has achieved.
With this movie, Famuyiwa has turned his attention on society and how it is currently failing our children; resulting in them turning to a life of crime in order to survive. Interestingly, Famuyiwa never blames characters like Malcolm for the choices that they make - instead all of his venom is directed at society and the lack of choices that these kids have.
Dope is a movie with a very powerful message; we live in an unequal society and some parts of that society are being left down. Malcolm is an intelligent young man, but it seems that intelligence is not enough to pull him to a better and more prosperous life.
There's something incredibly, raw, fresh, and authentic about the story and the movie that Famuyiwa has delivered and I was hooked from the opening scene to the closing credits - it is not hard to see why it was such a huge hit at Sundance.
However, Dope is not one of those in your face message movies, as Famuyiwa has got the perfect balance between laugh out loud humour and the message that he is trying to get across.
A wonderful cast has been assembled and Shameik Moore delivers a truly star-making turn in the central role of Malcolm. Dope is the first big lead role of his film career and he is just wonderful - believe me when I say he is one to watch over the next couple of years.
Thanks to Moore's performance, Malcolm is the character that we can identify with and it is his story that really pulls us into the film and gets us rooting for him.
Dope is a smart and interesting film that explores the race relations in America and the inequality that exists between them. It is a movie with an interesting message and is brought to life by some wonderful performances.
This is a great coming of age film that looks at race and class and really does have something to say on this very prominent and important issue. At the same time, Famuyiwa has not forgotten to entertain with a great narrative, engaging characters, and the film has a real energy from start to finish.
Dope is out now.