Review: Dope

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90's nostalgia 

Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his friends Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) and Jib (Tony Revolori) are nerds. They dress like they're from the 90's because that was the prime of hip hop to them. They live in a tough part of California, and Malcolm dreams of getting into Harvard. He's gets good grades and stays out of trouble, but after a mix up at a party, he ends up with a bunch of drugs in his possession and people trying to find him to get them back. 

Malcolm, Jib, and Diggy are perfectly awkward and are a joy to watch. The actors have excellent chemistry and they do feel different from the other kids we're used to watching in these coming of age type movies. That being said, the rest of the movie falls into a familiar pattern, with each obstacle Malcolm faces predictable and kind of annoying. Still, even though I got a little antsy with some of this, the end result was worth it and the film was amusing enough to keep things interesting.

I like the use of a narrator. It added another layer that was needed. The soundtrack on this film is wonderful, and I loved watched the three main actors. It was especially nice seeing Revolori again after his turn in The Grand Budapest Hotel. It might be more of a DVD movie than a theater one, but it's still good enough nonetheless.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B-

Memorable Quote: "We're just doing what geeks do." - Malcolm (Shameik Moore) 

Comments

  1. m.brownJune 30, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    Ha. I'm debating on seeing this today or not, as it's down between Dope or Ted 2 (slim pickings in ShitTown, PA). I was leaning toward this...and then you go and type 'more of a DVD movie'!

    I've been spending the last few days trying to convince myself otherwise! Grrr.

    (but good to hear that it's a decent flick)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 30, 2015 at 11:16 AM

      Well if it's between this and Ted 2, this one is probably going to be better. lol

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJune 30, 2015 at 11:16 AM

    Revolori is in this? Cool!

    Yeah, I keep hearing that this is one of those sleeper hits...like...every review basically loves this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 30, 2015 at 11:17 AM

      The first half of the movie I was staring at him like "where the hell have I seen this guy before?" Then it dawned on me.

      Delete
  3. Candice FrederickJune 30, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    interesting. i definitely plan to rent this as it looks like i may not be able to see it in theaters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 1, 2015 at 7:21 AM

      I hope you like it when you get the chance to see it!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJuly 1, 2015 at 10:47 PM

    I liked this movie, but I definitely didn't love it. I also got a little antsy at times, and it was all too reminiscent of The Girl Next Door. Acting was on point though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 2, 2015 at 7:41 AM

      The Girl Next Door is one of my guilty pleasures lol. Yes, the acting was great!

      Delete
  5. JoshJuly 24, 2015 at 4:54 AM

    Really looking forward to this. Who doesn't like 90's nostalgia? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 24, 2015 at 7:31 AM

      Nobody better dislike that! 90's was an excellent decade. lol

      Delete

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