Straight Outta Compton

A socially important and very entertaining film, Straight Outta Compton explodes with energy and burns up the screen!  It's getting quite a buzz and deservedly so.  I would have given it an 8.5, (instead of an 8), if it didn't feel 3o minutes too long (147 minutes). The movie's release coincides with the 27th anniversary of N.W.A.'s ("Niggaz Wit' Attitude") break-thru 'Gangsta Rap' album "Straight Outta Compton." This biopic chronicles the formation of N.W.A., their meteoric rise to the top, and the complex conflicts that eventually caused their demise.  While there are many great concert scenes, the film also explores the political, social, and economic circumstances in Compton -- an African American Ghetto in south Los Angeles County, California -- that served as the crucible for this art form, such as the Rodney King police brutality incident. The residents of Compton were enraged about their poverty, lack of opportunity, and the ongoing harassment and disrespect from the police. The original members of N.W.A. were Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson Jr.), MC Ren (Aldis Hodge), and DJ Yell (Neil Brown, Jr.).  In the beginning, they are good friends and dream of making and performing music that reflects their unique reality. They don't know anything about the music business, but they are very talented.  Easy-E has some money, since he is a "successful" drug dealer. He has "street-smarts" and decides to invest some "speed-capital."  Jerry Heller (Paul Giamatti) hears one of their local shows and offers to become their Manager. They soon make a record, which becomes a smash hit, and the rest is history! The Director (F. Gary Gray) gets excellent performances from all the leads, especially Mitchell. The soundtrack is terrific. If anyone you know panned this film, they've given it a "bad rap." PS - To "wrap it up" see my short rap below: Straight Outta Compton Is a movie you should see The critics seem to love it And I think you will agree!