"Dope" gets an instant re-watch. That only happens about 1-3 times a year out of the 80- 100 films I watch. Sometimes films just blow me away, sometimes I'm just curious if I missed something, and then there's these types of films.. Films that come out of left field and make me wonder 'was that really as good as I thought it was the first time?'.
The film uses many different templates.. The party/school themes of "House Party", and "PCU",.. The hardcore Crenshaw violent edge of John Singleton's masterwork, "Boyz in the Hood", and even the playful geekiness of "Real Genius" and "The Girl Next Door"..The good kid caught in a bad situation of the Aussie/similarly-low-budget "Two Hands".
When it was over - I wasn't sure if I had just awakened from a dream. Upon noticing it was made for less than 7 digits - I had to hit play again to make sure it was real and not memorex.
"Dope" is a smart, funny, exciting, sometimes horrifying, and mostly enlightening coming- of-age tale about 'Malcolm', his two friends, and their unintentional cross-over to the wrong side of the street.
The writing is aces. Leaving significant bite-size crackers of information, which when served seemed insignificant, only later to show you the complimentary main course. The climax is powerful after a playful and entertaining first hour. There's a lot being said when Malcolm's hand is shaking in fear, a LOT.
Highly recommend this film, obviously. Moves into the number 3 slot in my top 25 for 2015.. 47/86 through the watchlist.
It's nice to see a film like this that thankfully avoids the devastating ending, but still seems to send a powerful message. 81/100
Soundtrack is fantastic. Redbox. NOW!!
The film uses many different templates.. The party/school themes of "House Party", and "PCU",.. The hardcore Crenshaw violent edge of John Singleton's masterwork, "Boyz in the Hood", and even the playful geekiness of "Real Genius" and "The Girl Next Door"..The good kid caught in a bad situation of the Aussie/similarly-low-budget "Two Hands".
When it was over - I wasn't sure if I had just awakened from a dream. Upon noticing it was made for less than 7 digits - I had to hit play again to make sure it was real and not memorex.
"Dope" is a smart, funny, exciting, sometimes horrifying, and mostly enlightening coming- of-age tale about 'Malcolm', his two friends, and their unintentional cross-over to the wrong side of the street.
The writing is aces. Leaving significant bite-size crackers of information, which when served seemed insignificant, only later to show you the complimentary main course. The climax is powerful after a playful and entertaining first hour. There's a lot being said when Malcolm's hand is shaking in fear, a LOT.
Highly recommend this film, obviously. Moves into the number 3 slot in my top 25 for 2015.. 47/86 through the watchlist.
It's nice to see a film like this that thankfully avoids the devastating ending, but still seems to send a powerful message. 81/100
Soundtrack is fantastic. Redbox. NOW!!