UP Movies: Straight Outta Compton- The Review

Let us agree on something- the entire story could not be told in a mere 2 hours and 25 minutes, but Director F. Gary Gray proved to be more than capable in this biopic, doing a tremendous job from the onset.

Playing it rather more straight, he follows Dr Dre (Cory Hawkins), Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell, Contraband) and Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) on a riveting rags-to-riches journey that pulls you right in from start to finish. Gary Gray left no stone untouched in the film, highlighting everything from the politics of the record label, their boisterous concerts, sex and drugs, HIV/AIDS and even the Rodney King riots.

Although the film itself seems interested and more focused in the battles (both contractual and physical) between artists and record labels, it is Hawkins, Mitchell and O’Shea Jackson who really light up the screen.

O’shea Jackson makes his film debut in the role of Ice Cube - who just happens to be his father - and his near perfect portrayal will satisfy the audience. There are unimpressive appearances from significant rappers from the N.W.A era - Snoop Dogg’s character was a bit off (and, if you ask me, looked more like Kurupt) and 2Pac’s character was barely on-screen. That aside, the rest of the film kept us on the edge of our seats as we watched it last week courtesy of the cool peeps at ANGA Sky Cinema, Panari.

The soundtrack is a powerhouse for any lover of the hip hop history.

Cinematographer, Matthew Libatique, captures the film’s energy so well.

Paul Giamatti was a crowd delight, doing a bang-up job acting as the Ruthless Records tycoon, Jerry Heller.

Sadly this biopic, just like many before it, omitted some of the most embarrassing moments within the careers of these artists- such as Dr Dre’s history of assaulting women.

“That ish was dope (Dr Dre’s voice),” says Shabban Kerre, a die-hard hip hop fan who watched the entire movie with us.

This heartfelt, entertaining and wonderfully crafted film about the rise and rise of Compton’s infamous N@ggaz Wit Attitude is a must watch - which is why it was on our list of 2015’s Must Watch Movies.

 

 

Catch the movie at ANGA Sky Cinema here.