"Straight Outta' Compton" (2015)

I put aside my feelings of gangsta’ rap and decided to go see this movie.

N.W.A. came out at a time when I was still in high school, and I recall people reciting the words. I remember my parents had a side business at a swap meet where people were selling banners and flags with their emblem on it. In fact, in this movie, Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati is featured in on of their concerts. That's pretty far reaching, in terms of South Central to suburban Ohio.

This movie is solid. Good but…it may as well be a “Dummie’s Guide To N.W.A.” as it glosses over a lot of legendary moments just to please the people who know nothing about the history. Do I know more about it after watching? Nope. But I do more about N.W.A. Which I won’t give away here if you know. But we now know of what became of Dr. Dre & Ice Cube and, of course, Eazy E.

This could be a superhero movie. The origination story, sort of speak. In fact, it’d be cool if they did do a trilogy. This movie specifically fell on Eazy E. They set up perfectly a side story about Death Row records and Suge Knight. Which could extend to Tupac’s demise, and Notorious B.I.G. What makes this culture so fascinating is that it now has very little to do with money (and drugs) and more to do with street respect. The most recent incarnation the same we’re so fascinated with the mob.

Director F. Gary Gray does a fantastic job organizing their career. It hits the high interest points. If there was real justice, the entire cast deserves an Oscar nod. Everyone is spot on in their role. And it never feels like they’re playing anyone important. Something that music biopics can’t seem to get around. AND the real bonus is that they used the real music. Something that other movies also tend to overlook (in terms of the real stuff). They integrate the music really well.

Now the bad, the historical stuff seems to be overshadowed by N.W.A.’s commentary on it. The 93’ riots occurred AFTER they hit big. So “Fuck The Police” was already an anthem going into the Rodney King beating. And also, I realize they want to paint the police in the early 90’s as racist militia, but they practically get cartoonish with every encounter they have with the L.A.P.D.

The portrayal of Paul Giamatti as their manager Jerry Heller is really good. But, Giamatti’s svengali presence in two biopics now seem heavy handed. He hits the same note in both this and “Love and Mercy” However, these minor gripes have nothing to do with the energy of the movie. In a strange way, and despite the tragedy of a disease that could now be held under control (missed it by about a decade), this could be about any rock band as well. It’s done with compassion and flair, and fantastic music.  It’s definitely worth a look.