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

Ernest & Celestine (2012)

Directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner
Written by Daniel Pennace, based on the book by Gabrielle Vincent
Starring Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally (English version)

The unlikely story of a bear, Ernest, and a young mouse named Celestine who become friends despite the prejudices forced upon them by their individual communities.

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this French-produced film is a beautifully drawn family film with timeless themes, with a not-so-subtle message about the dangers of prejudices. It delivers a wonderful story about the two unlikeliest of friends.

Watching the story unfold, it became increasingly clear why all of the American A-listers attached to this movie agreed to be a part of it, despite the limited budget and release. With spectacular watercolor paintings that come to life, it is certainly an animated film like few others.

While it is obvious why computer animation has become the standard within the film industry, it is hard not to regret that fact when watching films such as this. There is this great sense of respect toward the artists who animated the movie, as there tends to be with other, less popular medias of animation such as stop-motion. It gives the entire movie a character that is missing from many of today’s computer animated films.

The fact that stop-motion films are still being made is wonderfully refreshing, and I feel that we, as an audience, have an obligation to see them to keep them from becoming extinct. It is impossible not to appreciate what these animators do.

My Rating: 8/10