Straight Outta Compton (2015)

Straight Outta Compton is a biopic about the LA centered rap group NWA. Directed by F. Gary Gray and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Director F. Gary Gray isn't necessarily a household name. Though if one were to look up his credentials, you'd start to appreciate him more. He's directed The Fate of the Furious, Friday, and my favorite The Negotiator. The direction in the film has little problems but there's nothing special. Which is why I thought this film didn't get nominated for direction or best movie. The writing, oddly enough, was my biggest complaint.

The movie itself is about NWA, but for the character of Ice Cube, played by his son O'Shea Jackson Jr., has a deeper connection since Ice Cube and F. Gary Gray actually worked together on Friday 20 years ago. Other than looking like his father, Jackson delivers an amazing performance to the point I forget that's not actually Ice Cube on the screen.

The best performance I saw was from Corey Hawkins. He played Dr. Dre in the movie and does a wonderful job showing just how difficult it was for him to make it to where Dre is today. Hawkins didn't really do much before this film, but since then he went on to have a role in Kong: Skull Island and the TV series 24: Legacy as Eric Carter. Look for him in the upcoming Spike Lee movie called Black Klansman.

Jason Mitchell plays Eazy-E and he plays the part well with a few exceptions. There are scenes between himself and their manager, Jerry, that just feel out of place due to the dialogue. Jason Mitchel hasn't done much in the past but reunited with his fellow NWA actor, Hawkins, in Kong: Skull Island.

Paul Giamatti has been in too many movies. He's such a skilled actor that his performance in this movie, however good, suffers. Whenever he's on screen I'm constantly thinking: "Hey, that's Paul Giamatti." Is there such a thing as being too recognizable?

I didn't know the story going in, only bits and pieces. Mostly since I wasn't born at the time. It's a good history lesson and deepens your appreciation for the music genre.

Result: A- (I highly recommend this for any movie enthusiast)

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