Dope Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A high school geek accidentally becomes a drug kingpin using Bitcoin and 90s hip-hop knowledge to get into Harvard after a wild party… yeah, I don’t get it either.

🍿 Dope: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Malcolm’s Harvard Dreams

Malcolm, a high school senior obsessed with 90s hip-hop, lives in Inglewood, California, dreaming of attending Harvard. He navigates the challenges of his neighborhood with his two close friends, Jib and Diggy. His counselor questions the feasibility of his Harvard aspirations, highlighting the need for a strong application and interview.

The Underground Party

Malcolm’s life takes a turn when drug dealer Dom invites him to a party, requesting he bring Nakia. At the party, a drug deal goes wrong, and a shootout ensues. Dom quickly stashes drugs and a gun into Malcolm’s backpack, urging him to flee, setting off a chain of unexpected events. Nakia helps Malcolm escape the chaos.

The Aftermath and a New Plan

Malcolm discovers the contents of the backpack and receives threatening calls demanding the drugs. He connects with Dom, who directs him to contact ‘AJ.’ This leads to a chaotic encounter with Lily, culminating in a viral video. Malcolm, Jib, and Diggy then enlist the help of a hacker to create an online network, selling the drugs via Bitcoin.

Blackmail and Acceptance

Malcolm discovers ‘AJ’ is Austin Jacoby, his Harvard alumni interviewer. He cleverly links Jacoby’s accounts to the drug sales, gaining leverage. Malcolm confronts Jacoby, demanding admission to Harvard in exchange for his silence and access to the funds. He reflects on his journey in a new college essay. The film concludes with Malcolm receiving an acceptance letter.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Malcolm (Shameik Moore): A geeky high school senior obsessed with 90s hip-hop who dreams of attending Harvard but gets caught up in a drug-dealing scheme.
• Jib (Tony Revolori): Malcolm’s loyal and supportive best friend who is part of their punk band and involved in their adventures.
• Diggy (Kiersey Clemons): Malcolm’s outspoken and intelligent lesbian best friend who is also in their band and provides a voice of reason.
• Dom (A$AP Rocky): A local drug dealer who unintentionally involves Malcolm in his criminal activities after a party goes wrong.
• Nakia (Zoë Kravitz): A young woman connected to Dom who becomes a love interest for Malcolm as he helps her study for her GED.
• Will Sherwood (Blake Anderson): A stoner/hacker friend from band camp who helps Malcolm and his friends establish an online drug marketplace.
• Austin Jacoby (Roger Guenveur Smith): A Harvard alumnus who secretly runs a drug operation and becomes both an obstacle and a potential benefactor for Malcolm.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Malcolm: “I’m a geek, but I’m also from Inglewood.” – Malcolm uses this line to highlight his complex identity and defy easy categorization.
• Malcolm: “Why do I want to go to Harvard? If I was white, would you even have to ask that question?” – This provocative statement challenges the interviewer’s assumptions about his motivations based on his race.
• Dom: “Stay Dope.” – A seemingly simple goodbye that implies staying true to yourself and your roots despite the circumstances.
• Will Sherwood: “Bitcoin, bitch!” – An enthusiastic exclamation showcasing Will’s excitement about using cryptocurrency for their illicit business.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,506,470
• Worldwide Gross: $17,986,781

💥 Dope Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Dope’ because it felt so fresh and unique. The way it blended 90s hip-hop culture with modern tech was super cool. Shameik Moore was amazing as Malcolm, and I loved the soundtrack. The party scene was intense, but hilarious. I also loved the hacker friend that helped make it more fun. The ending had me cheering! It is really funny, so I would suggest it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in hip-hop culture and 90s nostalgia”
  • “Those who appreciate unique and quirky indie films”
  • “Audiences looking for a blend of humor and social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: ““Dope” uses humor to add entertainment value to the story and as a different way of approaching important issues. The film’s pedigree contributed to its effectiveness, with production by Forest Whitaker and executive production by Sean Combs and Pharrell Williams. It’s a thought-provoking coming-of-age movie with questionable character decisions.
• Variety: “Rick Famuyiwa’s film has a singular style, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else directing or writing it. The soundtrack and the tone are a joy to experience. The actors were perfectly cast and give it their all, from the leads to the supporting roles. However, the plot becomes absurd and the film is very long.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film has a hip, infectious energy; the soundtrack is great, and the young actors shine. The movie offers an updated, stereotype-defying view. But the movie’s ambition is also a drawback, as the focus is lost and the viewer is left a little empty.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack was a total banger and really made the movie stand out from other coming-of-age stories.: Viewers appreciated the film’s energetic vibe, unique characters, and the fresh take on a familiar genre.

Shameik Moore’s performance as Malcolm was fantastic and made me root for him the whole way.: Most people felt that Moore was perfectly cast and delivered a standout performance.

Overall Consensus: ‘Dope’ is a unique and energetic coming-of-age story with a killer soundtrack and great performances, but the plot may be a little too out there for some.

Awards

1. Black Reel Award (Outstanding Director)- 2016
2. Black Reel Award (Outstanding Screenplay)- 2016
3. Black Reel Award (Outstanding Supporting Actor)- 2016
4. NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film))- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “A$AP Rocky initially came to the set to support his then-girlfriend Chanel Iman, but after helping her rehearse lines, he auditioned for and won the role of Dom.”
• “The film’s soundtrack heavily features 90s hip-hop, reflecting the main character’s obsession with that era. Pharrell Williams served as an executive producer and music supervisor.”
• “The film attempts to challenge stereotypes about African-American youth, portraying them as complex individuals with diverse interests beyond what’s typically shown in mainstream media.”
• “Director Rick Famuyiwa aimed to blend elements of classic coming-of-age stories with the realities of life in a tough urban environment.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dope?

Dope is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Prime Video, where it’s often available to rent or buy. It’s also accessible via Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental or digital purchase. For viewers who prefer physical media, Dope can be purchased on Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers. Check local listings and streaming services for current availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dope, you might like these similar films:

• Boyz n the Hood (1991): Explores themes of growing up in a tough neighborhood, but with a heavier, more dramatic focus.
• The Wood (1999): Also directed by Rick Famuyiwa, it depicts coming-of-age stories in Inglewood, CA, with a focus on friendship and navigating life’s challenges.
• Risky Business (1983): Shares the theme of a straight-laced teenager unexpectedly getting involved in illicit activities, leading to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
• Superbad (2007): Features teenage protagonists getting into ridiculous and improbable situations.
• House Party (1990): Coming-of-age comedy centered around teenagers getting into comical situations with a strong hip-hop soundtrack and vibe

🛒 Dope Related Products

• Dope [Blu-ray]: Own the movie that defined a generation. The Blu-ray includes behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and commentary with the director, giving you a deeper look into the making of the film. Limited Edition available.
• Dope: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack: Experience the 90s hip-hop vibe with the official soundtrack. Includes tracks from Nas, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, and original songs from the film. Download it now and feel the rhythm.
• Awreeoh – Dope-Inspired T-Shirt: Show off your ‘Dope’ fandom with this custom-designed Awreeoh t-shirt. Made with high-quality material, it’s a comfortable and stylish way to rep your favorite movie. Available in multiple sizes.
• Dope: Graphic Novel Adaptation: Experience the story of Malcolm and his friends in a visually stunning graphic novel adaptation. Relive the adventure with incredible artwork and a faithful retelling of the film. Available for Kindle and Comixology.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dope features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hip Hop Hooray” – performed by Naughty By Nature
• “Don’t Get Close” – performed by Curtis Mayfield
• “Rebel Yell” – performed by Awreeoh

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dope – Movie Review

Stuckmann’s review is a great starting point to understand the critical reception to ‘Dope’. Whether you agree or disagree with his opinions, it’s an interesting watch for any fan of the film.

Clayton English Gets High and Recaps “GoldenEye” – Dope Movies

This hilarious clip from Comedy Central’s ‘Dope Movies’ series is a must-watch for fans of the James Bond franchise and anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Clayton English’s high-induced commentary on ‘GoldenEye’ is sure to entertain.

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