Dope *** (2015, Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Zoe Kravitz, Kimberly Elise, A$AP Rocky) – Movie Review

Shameik Moore impresses in his first lead role as geeky young Malcolm in writer-director Rick Famuyiwa’s bright and lively coming-of-age comedy drama, produced by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang. It pulls off the trick of putting a fresh spin on some old situations, making them seem new again.

Malcolm is trying to survive life in a tough California neighbourhood filled gangsters and drugs dealers, while juggling his senior year of college applications with the intention of getting in to Harvard. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his teenage buddies into a Los Angeles crime adventure.

The slick and entertaining movie, which is narrated by Whitaker, also stars Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Zoe Kravitz, Kimberly Elise and A$AP Rocky. There’s a great soundtrack, most of which is produced by award-winning Pharrell Williams. Though low budget ($700,000), it a high impact experience, and a nice little earner in the US.

It is rated R for language, drug content, sexuality, nudity, and some violence, all involving teens.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Movie Review

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