Dope – Film Review by Frank L.

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa

Stars: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Forest Whitaker

At the start three dictionary definitions of the word “Dope” appear across the screen; the most relevant one for the film is the one which refers to illegal drugs. Not exactly a surprise! But the three heroes are not stupid if you take another meaning of the word “dope”, anything but. The purpose of such a dictionary definition at the beginning is far from clear as is much else in this fast moving script. A narrator relates that Matthew (Shameik Moore) is a bright hardworking kid at school. He is ambitious, he studies hard, and he wants to fulfil his dreams and go to Harvard. No small ambition for an African American who comes from a grim district in Inglewood, Los Angeles known as the Bottoms. It is descriptive. It is a tough neighbourhood in which to grow up. Geeky types are few and far between. However he has two good mates also good students and they are all big into 1990’s hip hop.

They fall foul in the Bottoms of a drug guy Dom (Rakim Mayers) and then find themselves through a series of scrapes in possession of a large quantity of illegal drugs. For them and in particular Matthew this causes greater dangers and opportunities than usual as his ambitions is to reach as far as Harvard.

Shameik Moore gives an impressive performance as a hip hop, smart high school kid. But he is also charmingly virginally naïve when faced with a sultry, well put together member of the opposite sex. Ramon Mathers as Dom gives a fine performance too. However the speech takes place at machine gun speed most of the time. Combined with their naturally authentic accents the dialogue is not always easy to discern. This is a movie for those who enjoy a vibrant Californian fast moving, glitzy escapade.