My DOPE Review

1.(noun) a drug taken illegally for recreational purposes, especially marijuana or heroin

2.(noun) a stupid person

3.(adj.) very good, excellent; “cool”

dope

Whether it’s a fresh pair of kicks, a fresh haircut, or a fresh idea people tend to notice eventually. Dope is fresh. Dope is dope. To take a somewhat familiar story device and make it feel completely new is nothing less than commendable. I would say it’s welcomed.

Originality seems to be something not enough care about these days. Luckily a few original thinking individuals slip through the cracks and with them they carry a unique and boisterous voice; someone like Rick Famuyiwa for example. Written and directed by Rick, Dope is original, well-executed, smart, witty, and different. It’s what a movie should strive to be. It possesses fleshed out characters that have true personality to them. The cinematography is vibrant and an element in the film all its own. The soundtrack is 90’s era themed that really makes a good film great.

The cast is absolutely brilliant filled with mostly newbies who carry this film as if they’ve been in the industry for twenty years. Specifically the lead character played in a beautifully emphatic way by newcomer Shameik Moore. His character is hilariously ignorant to the ways of being popular or even remotely dangerous. Everyone around him seems to have received the memo on how to be a thug but he was seemingly too busy studying and striving for his chance to attend Harvard. The greatest aspect to Moore’s performance is he doesn’t want pity. He simply wants a chance regardless of his upbringing. Despite his busy academic life, Moore still conveys a hilariously out of touch, hopelessly in love, lovable galoot who can’t seem to utter more than a few words to his obvious crush. Of course it’s his blind infatuation with the girl of his dreams that gets him in all kinds of trouble and hilarity.

This movie really seems to be relying on word of mouth from those who have seen it and I feel I must do my part by writing about it. I told several people that I saw this movie and in return they told me they never heard of it. Originality falling under the radar is an all too common occurrence so I say this: If you like fun, adult themed comedy that not only shoots for the target but nails it then definitely give Dope a chance. It’s a comedy firmly rooted in reality and the humorous moments feel organic and necessary. The actor’s chemistry is palpable and felt from beginning to its glorious end. If you’ve already seen it then you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, give it a chance and see just how dope it really is.

Rated R For: language, drug content, sexuality/nudity, and some violence-all involving teens

Run Time: 103 minutes
After Credits Scene: No
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Starring: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson
Directed By: Rick Famuyiwa

Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 4/ Acting: 5/ Directing: 4.5/ Visuals: 4
OVERALL: 4.5 Nerdskulls

Check out the trailer below: