Film Review: ‘Dope’ is Smart and Refreshing, an Original Coming-of-Age Story

“It’s hard out here for a geek.”

A critical hit from the festival circuit – an audience favorite at Sundance, and I can easily see why – Dope is an incredibly satisfying movie-going experience. The film follows Malcolm (played by newcomer Shameik Moore), a walking 90’s hairdo in the guise of a struggling high-school teenager who finds himself struggling to achieve adulthood while balancing the pangs of being an underprivileged, bullied California geek with an over-worked mother, dead-beat dad, and the dream of being accepted into Harvard.

Malcolm really is the “every man” – or rather, every youth – but most of all, he is a geek; a geek who finds himself wrapped up in a drug deal gone awry. When dealer Dom involves Malcolm in a plot to woo a girl that Malcolm himself is fond of, absolute craziness ensues. There is a backpack switcheroo, a shootout, and the discovery of LOT of drugs – to which, Malcolm and his friends decide they can sell themselves. When ensues is a balancing act of slapstick, lowbrow comedy mixed with smart, insightful, and heartfelt drama. It’s the life of the not-so-average teenager turned up to 11.

Dope is a movie of extremes wrapped up nicely in a buzzy, fun grab bag of pop-cultural references with a whole lot of pep. Though perhaps just a bit overly ambitious, the movie never really falters. Bold, brass, and clever, this fifth film from director Rick Famuyiwa is a “dramady” of the best kind. More like a Spike Lee film (but with more empathy and grace) mixed with a John Hughes teenage romp (without the excess angst), the topics addressed – everything from sexism, to the n-word, to drug use, to drones – Dope could easily be this year’s most relevant and important topic film. 

Some scenes are funnier than others, and some of the plot points get a little muddy here and there, but overall the film is tightly written and more than aptly directed. With a running time of just under two hours, there are some scenes that feel a bit bloated, including a seemingly preachy ending (but there is dancing, so it’s okay) – so all is forgiven considering the quality of the execution and the entertaining plot.

The movie truly shines whenever Moore is onscreen, and if there is any justice in the movie awards circuit, he should be remembered come Oscar time. He is the anchor that keeps the film from veering too far off course.

Dope is teenage drama/comedy for adults and is definitely not for everyone, but it is truly a must-see.

Dope

Run Time: 103 minutes

Rated R for language, drug content, sexuality/nudity, and some violence – all involving teens.

Starring: Shameik Moore, Zoë Kravitz, Blake Anderson, Kimberly Elise, Rakim Mayers, Forest Whitaker

Director: Rick Famuyiwa

Writer: Rick Famuyiwa