An Unapologetic Biopic That's As Powerful As The Group It Follows

Rating: 9/10 (16 September 2015)

In the 80s, a revolutionary new group enters the limelight, changing music and pop culture forever. Straight Outta Compton, N.W.A's first ever album, proves controversial with its brutal, yet honest, depiction of life in Southern LA . With guidance from their manager, band members Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren trail-blaze their way through the industry, scoring fame, fortune and a place in history.
Cleverly devised and rhythmically paced, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON is one of the most powerful biopics in recent memory. The cast is fantastic. Watching these guys perform really makes you believe they went through all this; you lose yourself in the story, and find yourself transported back in time.
O'Shea Jackson portrays his own father, Ice Cube, and while there's an uncanny resemblance in his appearance, it's ultimately more than how he looks; it's how he acts. One could say the only reason his performance is as good as it is here is because he knew his father better than most, perfectly channeling that and delivering something genuine. But I, for one, would like to see more of him in other roles.
Visually, the film is beautiful to look at; which comes as no surprise once you realize who the cinematographer is. Matthew Libatique, who's worked on Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan, as well as Iron Man, shoots this brilliantly; giving each scene it's own unique voice. There's a noticeable haze during the earlier moments, when they're on the streets of LA, that gives these scenes a nostalgic tinge. And then there's the electrifying use of vibrant colors during the larger- than-life concert scenes that completely immerses you, making you wish you were there to experience it all.
If I had one gripe, it'd be that the film loses some steam towards the end. That's about it. I don't care if it sugarcoats things that happened with the real N.W.A; I judge movies on what they show, not on what they don't. This is an important, educational, and, at the same time, great movie that unapologetically touches a sensitive nerve that's, sadly, still relevant to this very day.