Records Left on the Table

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2015)

Part of the reason we love and hate celebrities deals with the fact that we live extremely different lives and it's just hard to relate to people who don't go through the same life obstacles as you. This film does a phenomenal job at taking that problem and turning it into one hell of a film, because not only does it bring you directly into the lives of Compton natives turned rappers N.W.A, but it tackles their lives in a way that feels approachable. All things considered, growing up in the suburbs of Chicago doesn't give me much perspective on Gangsta Rap, but I'd like to think listening to N.W.A's music gave me insight into the atmosphere in late 80's LA. Luckily, F.Gary Gray takes their lyrics and creates a masterful world around the beloved rappers. Straight Outta Compton is one of the best films of the summer and easily the most surprising film to come out in 2015 for me.
When I was in high school I listened to rap all the time, and being a white male, Eminem appealed to me the most. But I listened to my fair share of N.W.A, 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z, and even some Wu-Tang. So I knew enough about the golden age of hip hop to be extremely excited for the film. But I was nervous, none of these actors had proved themselves before, and taking on the roles of some of the most iconic artists in rap or just music history is a difficult task to say the least. But all of them, and I mean all of them, absolutely killed it. O'Shea Jackson Jr playing his dad was also a big question mark. He obviously looks the part, but could he capture the mannerisms and personality his father had? Dang right he can. Acting comes from the eyes, and you can make or break a performance depending on how you play a scene with your eyes. Well, Jackson and Corey Hawkins, playing Dr. Dre, were terrific at selling each and every one of the emotional scenes. Jason Mitchell was also really good as Eazy-E. Talk about having to deal with emotional material, Mitchell probably had the biggest challenge considering the fate of E, but he nailed everything. And unlike another film that just came out (ahem Fantastic Four), I really bought into this group as a team and the bonds they all shared. It was clear from the beginning that these characters were from the same background and understood each and every one of each other.
Obviously being a huge rap fan, hearing all of the old songs in a theater with great sound systems was really gratifying. The Detroit concert scene was definitely one of the best scenes I have seen all year and a thrilling one at that. But I was so impressed by the way the actors were selling the fact that they made the music and performed it. I know none of them are actually rapping or spinning beats, but the actors and directing sucked me into the performances and studio sessions. It was cool to see 2Pac and Snoop make cameos as they both had a good amount of collaborations with Dre and the crew. I thought those scenes may take me out of the film, but the actors once again sold the performances so well. The film does take a step back in third act because it focused on everyone's solo adventures and veered away from the group dynamic. But that's the material and it doesn't translate as well to the screen as the first half of the movie did. I still loved nearly everything else about the film, especially all of the rap easter eggs and nods to other artists they included.
It's also worth mentioning the emotional layer to the film as well. Like I said, usually it's hard to relate to characters like this, but the family like dynamic between the group brought me along with the good and bad times. So I felt for the guys when stuff hit the fan. I was glued to the screen just as much for the dramatic sequences as I was for the insane concert scenes. So overall, I really loved Straight Outta Compton. It surpassed my expectations and is one of the best films based on a music group or artists that I have seen. It's also one of those stories that you wish could have turned out a different way. I wish N.W.A could have figured things out and gave us more music. Because they were pioneers for not only rap but for people to have a voice in music and not care what other people may think or react to what you say.
+Surprisingly deep performances
+Thrilling concert scenes
+Surprise cameos
+Rap Easter eggs
+Great biopic
-Third act stumbles just a bit
9.0/10