Almost Perfect! If all history could be that fun to learn.

Rating: 9/10 (14 August 2015)

I have been waiting 2 plus years to write a review for this film. 1988 changed my life when a friend dubbed me "Straight outta Compton" and Eazy Duz It. My 9 year old brain blew! I was worried that this film would come off corny. Knowing the characters has such a big part in the scripting and production made me nervous. This is not just a biography of a rap group, this is the birth of West Coast Rap and Gangsta Rap period! Enough props. Let's get to it...
The acting is amazing! The actors portraying the subjects are on point! Never does it seem overwritten or polished. Everyone is given their respects for their parts played and emotions aren't held back for the point of toughing these Gangsta Rappers. The human element is ever present and encouraged. Jason Mitchell deserves praise for his portrayal of Eric Eazy- E Wright! To go from crack dealing gang banger to the legendary figure dying from Aids, that tall order is filled almost effortlessly. Corey Hawkins as Dr.Dre was a great fit. O'Shea Jackson Jr deserves credit for his efforts to play his father. He deserved the role. Neil Brown Jr. (Dj Yella) and Aldis Hodge (Mc Ren)aren't as big of a role in the film which feels awkward if your a fan because they feel less important (In My Opinion). Paul Giamatti ( Jerry Heller) played the role well. Jerry was more a faceless character. Interviews with him at the release of the film didn't seem optimistic. He wasn't consulted about the part and I personally think it was a fair and just portrait. All in all, the actors did an amazing job translating the real life to the screen. So why the 9 instead of a 10??
I have learned to take reviews of movies with a grain of salt. Different strokes for different folks. Everyone gets their opinions based on their views and beliefs. As a huge fan of the genera as well the group, I wished the entire 4+ hours that was filmed was included. Of close to 4.5 hours of footage, the movie was trimmed to just under 2 and a half hours in length. Certain aspects were missing to me. Members like Arabian Prince and others had no mention. The film jumps straight into Straight outta Compton without mention of the first effort "N.W.A and the posse album, which is available to hear. During a performance, the original version of Dope-man from said L.P. was performed rather than the Remix version available on the featured title. Small things like the World Class Wrecking Crew and things that led to the point in which the film highlights are absent. F.Gar Grey defiantly had his job cut out trying to give us all of the goods within an appropriate time span. All the small things aside as a lot of people aren't hip hop heads like myself, the major opinion from other reviews is the transition of the movie's plot. Characters like Suge Knight, Snoop Dogg, and even 2Pac seemed needless. Without spoiling the plot, there are a few minutes where information seems less important or unnecessary considering the intended story. Periods were you kinda wish they'd just move on come and go. Certain story lines aren't necessary and may dull the emotions being built up. For this reason, I gave it a 9. I don't say that to make anyone question seeing the movie though! If you've wanted to see the film for a reason or another, I highly recommend you do. The overall goal was achieved. The overall presentation is on point. This will make good money and most people will be pleased with their viewing. For all the hype over Suge Knight's reckless killing on the set to overall anticipation, the wait was worth it! I expected to possibly be let down and left feeling like I got what I asked for. Hopefully all parties involved were pleased with their portrayal. The effort is there and everyone who had a part in making this movie should be proud. Everyone who has a film made in their legacy should hope to have the same results.