7) Dope
Rick Famuyiwa’s tale about nerds in the hood is a brilliant characterization of a story we never see. While urban dramas are always about the dirty dealings that go on in underprivileged neighborhoods, Dope focuses more on the smarter kids who want to escape.
Shameik Moore plays Malcom, a neon-print-wearing, box-topped punk who doesn’t conform to thug culture, but he learns that his own driven desire to lash out against gang colors is just as confining. It’s a point-of-view we’ve never been given, and a wild story that’s filled with crazy, off-the-wall characters.
[zergpaid]This is Moore’s first brig break, and his presence harkens back to another young star who’s now finding himself becoming a household name – Star Wars‘ Finn himself, John Boyega. Moore is more charismatic in his role, but I’m referring more to the star power he possesses, and how he belongs in the leading limelight. Tony Revolori and Kiersey Clemons shine as his bandmates/best buds, but Moore steals the show. Big things are coming for this young man, and that’ll all be because of Dope.
This is a real-deal film. Again, don’t believe the haters who say this is just wannabe indie quirkiness. Dope is a funky-fresh take on today’s “hood” culture that’s surprisingly empowering when Malcolm’s coming-of-age story steps front and center.