Intense Social Commentary with a Great Soundtrack

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2015)

Straight Outta Compton was so much more than I expected, I was looking for an excuse to listen to some classic rap really loud in a theater. Like "Mamma Mia" for Abba or "Across the Universe" for the Beatles, this movie gives you that and a stylized documentary. It paints a picture of a world most of us can't relate to, with a soundtrack most of us have heard.
From the first minute it hits you and keeps you hooked. There are so many dark and tense moments that almost hurt to watch but is broken up with characters that add humor/hope to these situations. Obviously this is set in the past but it also speaks to a reality people still live with: racism, abuse of power, poverty, exploitation and a lot of issues touched on in the film/music.
That being said it was great I laughed/ smiled countless times. Though not a die hard fan of NWA but really enjoyed the story, music and loved watching the introductions of new artists over time.
This was my first movie review, primarily in response to the reviewers who gave this movie a 1/10. There is a lot of irony in the fact people would be so hostile about an NWA film, when the movie is about people being hostile towards NWA music for similar reasons. Take a step back and realize you agree with the oppressive society of 25+ years ago... who are (kinda) the bad guys in this movie.