Straight Outta N.W.A.

Rating: 9/10 (3 September 2015)

Straight Outta Compton (2015): Dir: F. Gary Gray / Cast: O'Shea Jackson Jr, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr, Aldis Hodge: Tense powerful film about the talent that rose from the depth of a dangerous society of Compton. F. Gary Gray directs his best film to date with the true life events surrounding controversial hip hop artists who would become known as N.W.A. They come under fire for a song titled "Fuck the Police" in their address to being sighted on numerous accounts of police brutality. They answer media accusations claiming that they rap about their version of reality. They also tout the Freedom of Speech notion that is pushed to the extremes when they shove the anti-law stance too far. While the subject matter is controversial the screenplay is detailed and presents a great ensemble of young talent to portray the artists. O'Shea Jackson plays his real life father Ice Cube and the resemblance is remarkable. Cube is the first to break from the group for a solo career. Corey Hawkins portrays Dr. Dre who holds it together when everyone around him seems to be coming undone. He eventually forms his own company which results in numerous great talents found. Jason Mitchell plays Eazy E who died of AIDS in 1995. He was associated closely with their corrupt manager but eventually reunites when the wool is removed from his eyes. They are a group that faced harsh environments and found a voice that took them straight out of Compton and into a lifestyle of success that proves that where one comes from isn't always where they end up. Score: 9 / 10