Straight Outta Compton makes you appreciate the culture

Rating: 8/10 (13 October 2015)

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON review by Mike Smith
The group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.
I'm not a big hip hop and rap fan, I'm not saying I don't enjoy the odd rap song. So going in to this film I was thinking it was going to glorify the rapper lifestyle like most other big budget music movies. But I was wrong, it plays more like a period piece and shows the hardships the young African Americans went through.
The story is compelling and is a classic rags to riches story. If you're not a fan of rap it doesn't matter, the drama, action and story will grab you and keeps you watching. Director F. Gary Gray makes you feel like you are in a world most people have never and will never experience. Some of the scenes he recreated are amazing, including sold out concerts and full out street riots.
This film focuses mostly on the rise and break up of N.W.A. and the life of Eazy-E. He also touches on Ice Cube's falling out with the group and writing his films "Boys In The Hood" and "Friday". Also, Dr.Dre's career in Death Row Records, which could be a full movie on it's own. The cast makes you believe that you are experiencing these chapters in music history.
Straight Outta Compton makes you appreciate the culture and yes it does glorify the gangster life and violence, but it's Hollywood and they have to put asses in seats. This movie stuck with me just like SLC PUNK did and gives you a glimpse into a world you may not know. Also, if you liked the police before this movie, this film will make you understand why the rest of us don't. Cheers and remember life won't suck as long as there is a good movie to watch
8.5 out of 10
Edited by Samantha Locke
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