Dope

While Dope can’t quite overcome the genre conventions of a coming-of-age film, it at least adds some new wrinkles to the formula by giving the point-of-view to a trio of characters frequently regulated to the quirky best friend in other teen films. Not only that, but it’s got a generally killer soundtrack and a vibe that feels refreshingly unique and distinct even when it feels like it’s overreaching, which is often. Then again, too much ambition is better than none at all.

Yes, there’s something of a mixed bag of genres and styles buttressing against each other for dominance and screen time, and I can understand how that would be a demerit for several people. Hell, at times even I wondered where exactly it was trying to place its emphasis and where it was trying to go, but I also admired its commitment to its ambitions. Why the hell not take a bunch of characters living on the fringe of a fringe society and stick them in more conventional spaces and watch them flounder about?

Perhaps this self-consciously messy presentation is intentional as the film continually tries to underline that we shouldn’t settle for what’s expected of us, nor should we be quick to judge others based on circumstances. In-between these three characters struggling with a society that views them as liking “white shit” and trying to aim beyond their means, Dope decides to add in some heist and crime thriller elements to its breezy coming-of-age comedic situation. It frequently doesn’t cohere, but it gives Shameik Moore one hell of a role, and based on his work here he deserves bigger and better things down the line.

Call me crazy, but I liked Dope best when it merely sat back and was happy to watch its trio of aspirational weirdos hangout, play music, and geek out over 90's hip hop and ephemera of nerd culture. Their friendship suggests the strength of necessity of building your own communities within communities in order to survive and thrive. I like watching them play in their quirky electronic-punk band more than I cared about the realities of using BitCoin to deal drugs, but it has enough good will, spunk, and energy to power through the uneven bits and make it solid recommendation and enjoyably odd experience.