Review of Dope (2015) by Susank101 — 09 Jul 2015

Engaging Shameik Moore is aided and abetted by a sure-footed attractive young cast in a sometimes touching, often funny hybrid coming-of-age caper movie. Earnest and innocent, 'good' student Malcolm embraces all the cliches of 90s hip-hop culture from the tips of his Jordan kicks to the top of his fade haircut, while he strives to earn himself a ticket out of the bottoms of Inglewood via the ivy halls of Harvard.

His lovable misfit posse of three includes hispanic Jib ("14% African American") played by Toni Revolori -- the bellboy in Grand Budapest Hotel, and transvestite Diggy (Kiersy Clemons). A spontaneous invitation to a birthday party that turns into a drug raid, a bungled handoff of planted drugs, and an alumni college interview that turns into a lesson in surveillance and the shadow black hat economy, with a recurring love interest or two for the hero, lead to perilous adventures and ultimately, a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit.

All set to a truly dope soundtrack that ranges from retro rap hits to contemporary gems by Pharrell Williams and like the best scores, serves as a Greek chorus to the proceedings. A bit uneven in pace and tone but overall lots of fun to be in the company of this lively young ensemble.