Dope (2015)

Written and Directed by Rick Famuyiwa
Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons and Blake Anderson

Life changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.

While thoroughly entertaining, funny and dope (I'm sorry), throughout most of the film I sat there wondering what, if anything the film was trying to say. I had heard that it was a "coming of age" movie unlike any other, but after an hour it still seemed like an average movie… But then they hit you with it.

Especially given the tragic events in South Carolina last week, this film seemed as if it had been made with the news in mind. Not only do they tackle racism between races, but also the stereotypes forced upon black people by others in their community.

Backed with an amazing soundtrack of 90s hip hop, modern hits, amazing originals and for some reason, Korn (not hat in', just saying'), the filmmaker knew exactly what he wanted to display and did so with flying colors. Presenting topical subjects and giving off a sense of nostalgia for people who grew up in the 90s, it's hard to really explain what makes this film great. Just check it out.

My Rating: 8/10

The Salton Sea (2002)

Directed by D.J. Caruso
Written by Tony Gayton
Starring Val Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Doug Hutchison and Peter Sarsgaard

After his wife is murdered, a man drifts into a world populated by thugs and speed junkies. He struggles to identify with both his past life and his new one, where danger lurks at every corner.

A perfect combination with equal parts Scorsese, Guy Ritchie, western and classic noir films, "The Salton Sea" is a dark thriller filled with great performances and writing. It perfectly captures the feel of those classic private detective movies, flipping it around and telling it from a junky/informant's perspective.

The most notable performance in this movie is hands down Vincent D'Onofrio as "Pooh-Bear". One thing that he continually proves is his ability to be intimidating and comedic simultaneously. As the nose-less, drug cooking murderer, he casts a shadow of unease and commands the screen with every scene. And just when you think he's going to go completely dark, he'll do something that changes the mode of the scene on a dime.

One thing that I couldn't take seriously was the relationship between Val Kilmer and Peter Sarsgaard's character. It reminded me much of the Frodo/Sam relationship from "The Lord of the Rings". There was this unintentional "will they, won't they" tension throughout. Somewhat ending with the Frodo character being surrounded the fiery death of Mordor.

"I'm your Sam!"

Overall, this was a decent, enjoyable movie. It's not without it's faults, but few movies are. But the noir-style writing, filming and editing of this film make it a unique modernization of a once lost genre. In that sense, it is a beautiful homage to an entire decade of cinema.

My Rating: 7/10