Beyond Dope: Afro-Approved Film Review.
Although the trailer to “Dope” is intriguing, I wasn’t exactly sure if the film would satisfy my theatrical taste buds. Luckily for me I got last minute tickets to an advanced screening Wednesday night. Rick Famuyiwa (Director-writer of “The Wood” & “Brown Sugar”) is returning from a five year hiatus as the director and writer, while Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi are accredited as producers. Not to mention Pharrel Williams and P.Diddy serve as executive producers, which explains the well formatted hip-hop swagger through-out the dramedy.
Based off the trailer, I assumed the film was a blend of “House Party” meets “Dear White People” meets an upgraded version of “The Wood”. If you too thought “Dope” was your typical coming of age hood film, then you’re slightly wrong. DOPE is the less-politicized hip-hop relative to Dear White People; laced with nineties music and references, and an authentic story line that keeps you laughing, it has the potential to be a vault-classic.
The film is lead through the eyes of a nineties obsessed, geeky high-school student Malcom (Shameik Moore) and his two friends, Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) and Jib (Tony Revolori). In the midst of finishing his senior year and surviving the drug infused ghetto of Inglewood, Malcom falls victim to a series of unfortunate events surrounding a drug scandal, and the only way to work it in his favor is relying on his equally unsuspecting-awkward friends.
Be ready for some fresh new faces, and some very familiar entertainers. The trailer introduces us to rapper-actor Shameik Moore, and his two side-kicks, past Disney actor Kiersey Clemons, and The Grand Budapest Hotel actor Tony Revolori. The supporting cast consist of Zoe Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Kimberly Elise and many more. Guest appearances include Tyga, De’aundre Bonds (Yes, Stacy from “T
he Wood”!), Rick Fox and Model Chanel Iman.
Final conclusion: “Dope” is a must-see film; it’s a great flick that may hit close to home for many young blacks who don’t fit society’s norms and are still searching for that place of normalcy. The film hits theaters this summer on June 19th, so head out to support the colorful cast. Don’t forget to hashtag your thoughts on the film with #DopeMovie and check out more about the film at www.youaredope.com or on its social sites IG:@dopethemovie Vine/Twitter: @dopemovie FB:Dope Movie
If you happen to see an advanced screening, let us know what you think below. Tell us what are you're expecting based on the trailer in the comment section.