28 Days of Black Cinema: Day 16

Dope (2015)

Starring: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey ClemonsDirected by Rick FamuyiwaWritten by Rick Famuyiwa

“So, why do I want to attend Harvard? If I was white, would you even have to ask me that question?” – Malcolm

Three high school kids, all people of color, living in present day Inglewood and obsessed with 90s Hip Hop culture. For most of their lives, these kids have been caught between who they are and how they are perceived. They are into “white stuff” like skateboarding, getting good grades and Donald Glover. Although Donald seems to have been working overtime to get off of that list. Oh, and they have a fun little punk band named Awreeoh. And the actors have real songs on the soundtrack. This one is a typical fish our of water and coming of age tale. They get thrown into a deadly game where they don’t really know the rules. But not to worry, our heroes come out on top basically, by using the assumptions about them, to their advantages. While going through all of this, they are still trying to make sure they pass their SATs, make college application deadlines and get into a good college. Malcolm’s college application essay makes me cry every time. I was that kid. I really wish this movie existed when I was in high school.