A self-described “black geek” growing up in Inglewood, California, must reinvent himself as a gangster when he comes into possession of $100,000 worth of narcotics and the rightful owner forces him to sell the stash. Written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Brown Sugar), this lively teen comedy recalls early-90s Spike Lee in its hyperactive stylization (there’s a different cinematic device in practically every scene) and surfeit of topical issues (the conversations touch on gang violence, Bitcoin, America’s failed public school system, and the revival of 90s hip-hop). The movie is overly ambitious but never dull, and the ensemble cast is fun to watch. Much of the energy derives from a constant sense of dread; as a narrator informs us at the beginning, these characters could die in a drive-by shooting at any moment.
Dope
R • 1 hour 43 min • 2015
