Dope (2015)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Don't listen to the negative reviews

Absolutely the worst movie.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Only slight spoilers - nothing to detract from viewing the film. I'm not even looking at the other reviews yet. Next time I catch this film, I'll probably give it 10 out of 10: I'm only giving it 9 because it was quite sophisticated, and at times - difficult for me to follow.It tells the story of 3 African American teenagers, they are "nerds", very not-tough, trying to survive through high school in a very violent predominantly black neighborhood and get accepted to college. What struck me at first was the intense black-upon-black violence in this neighborhood - but this is only the backdrop to this movie, and I'd have tuned out if it hadn't evolved.The lead character finds that following a gang shooting he's had heroin and a gun dropped into his schoolbag (which he discovers while going through the school metal detector, ho ho!). These 3 teens have to practically run for their lives, And the main character (who knows NOTHING about drug dealing) has to concoct a plan to sell the stash for a profit.Also, I liked that this was nearly an all black cast film: and a really good one.Bizarre stuff - was worth my time.

Before jumping on the bandwagon of criticism, let me elaborate the first half hour of the movie. Started indifferent, but due to the use of 90's hip-hop, indie music and the aim to be 'not your typical hood movie' I began to grow an interest. Oh boy oh boy, I was in for a tough ride.The cast was decent, but needed something stronger. The character that hold my attention was Diggy (played by Kiersey Clemons) as a gay female growing up in the suburbs. Nevertheless, she didn't play an important role in the movie. Let me first talk about the main character, Malcolm (Shameik Moore). From all the actors one could choose, why him? He portrays characters so dull and it seems that his life has been sucked down the drain, just like Netflix's The Get Down. Don't get me wrong, the first season of the Get Down was a fun ride, but not thanks to of mister Shoalin Fantastic. His method of acting is, against my liking, amateurish. He comes of as an "actor" that has been plucked from the streets to star in a movie. He lacks a certain charisma for the big screen. This already puts his character, Malcolm, in a bad spot. A totally unbelievable movie with the wrong cast. The side-characters are fun, to a certain degree, but it needed a heavy weight.The main story sounds fun on paper, but is in fact poorly executed. It felt cringe worthy most of the time. Especially filling all the gaps in between dialogue with music. Every scene it starts off with a 'hip, cool, trendy' tune. It reminds me a lot of Tangerine (2015). However, this movie used music as a certain emotion that needed to be explained. Dope just used music, because... hey why not? Dope needed something better than the typical A-class student that needs to make a short- or long-term decision. The ending is totally obvious from the start of the movie. The dialogue was off as well. Let me package and summarise my point of critique with one question. Molly/MDMA/XTC gives you the best sex ever? I don't want to be vulgar, but everyone that ever used these substances knows sex isn't or at least barely doable when this chemical is surging throughout your body. However, all critique given, it was a meh film. I was able to sit through the entire movie. Do I recommend this movie? Not really, even though I know a lot of people that like the goal the movie is aiming for, but it just doesn't prove it.

Overall, it was an entertaining movie. Good acting by everyone, but for me, the story left a little to be desired. The beginning is great. It grabs your attention, really paints an interesting picture of what life is like for these kids, and helps you sympathize with them in their plight of being "losers". The dialog is excellent, and the story is fun and entertaining. However, the second half moves far too quickly, and it feels much less thought-out than the first half. The resolution of the problem just comes out of nowhere, goes seamlessly, and then the credits are rolling. I would have liked to see the film take a similar tack to how it began. It just feels like it's on fast-forward to get to a quick ending. In spite of that, it's hard not to enjoy this film, especially if you're into old school hip hop like me.

Amazing movie seen in recent times.Had a great story and really awesome performances from the leads. And at the last he makes us think.I say it's a must watch for everyone who love something different and it was not boring though,was fun and interesting every scene had something to it...Movie is Dope, and it's true about all these drug stuff. People are getting addicted to it and spoiling their lives.This movies showcases this in a different way and the problems of black & white questioned at the end. You should all watch this one for sure...