[N.W.A Film Shines Light on America’s Past and Current Issues] Straight Outta Compton in Review

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Perfect timing or a huge coincidence? Either way kudos to director, F. Gary Gray for a great interpretation of the Compton music group, N.W.A‘s storyline.

Straight Outta Compton made me feel comfortable. I say this because even though N.W.A became a group in 1986, I was able to vibe as if I was very much alive during that era. The music definitely made me nod my head throughout the film and kept me attentive. What I enjoyed the most was the references to the cultural issues that were going on during the reign of N.W.A . One in particular was the brutal beating of Rodney King which impacted not only Los Angeles, but the nation as a whole. Particularly the black community.

This film did more than give in depth insight to the success and plight of N.W.A and each individual talent in the group, it provided confirmation that history is indeed repeating itself. N.W.A was constantly harassed by law enforcement as their music was deemed distasteful, but was it really? In Straight Outta Compton you will see how the music of N.W.A was raw, provocative, and at the same time informing. You will also witness how they took pride in their music even when the odds were against them and how they stood firmly behind informing the public.

Straight Outta Compton, in some scenes, made me feel like I was sitting and watching the evening news. From the police brutality to every day struggles of African Americans including HIV/AIDS and it’s importance. The film did a good job of shining light on those issues as they are still present today and probably more than ever before.

You will get an inside look at how N.W.A came about, their break up, and so much more. Even though the film did an exceedingly well job with delivery ,there were some things I wasn’t fond of. There were more pros than cons.

I did agree with the cast to a certain extent. I felt like they mastered their roles all but Alexandra Shipp,poor thing. Her performance was drier than a desert in her little ten minutes of run time. I lost faith in her when I saw Drumline the remake. I doubted O’Shea Jackson Jr. when I got word that he would be playing his dad, Ice Cube. I thought it was typical, but he actually did a great job. Another favorite of mine was Jason Mitchell, who played Eazy-E he gave a remarkable performance and he was a dead on pick. I didn’t agree with Corey Hawkins as Dr. Dre although he killed the role, his looks were off. Tupac was more dead on than anyone and he appeared in the film for five minutes! I wish they would have went a little more in depth with what happened with Dr. Dre at Death Row records. I also wish the storyline was 100 percent truthful. The timeline was a little off and some things went unexplained. Although it was told very well there were also some parts that were a little exaggerated.

Although the film had a few cons, it delivered a message much powerful than music alone. It reminded us that America’s dark past is now America’s dark present.

From the scam artists, to crooked cops , to poverty, and a questionable government system, N.W.A was included that group of people who society loved to hate because they were about distributing facts. It’s ironic how they were said to be the most dangerous group created during the most dangerous time, however they helped us cope with our most dangerous times through their music. The new generation will and should appreciate this film because they will understand that without outspoken artists such as N.W.A. we would be ignorant to issues that we dread to discuss until this very day. N.W.A paved the way for descending artists to have a powerful voice through their music as well. It felt good to go back 29 years in time, but saddened me that America is in the same position as it was 29 years ago.

Uncommonrealist.com gives Straight Outta Compton a 9/10. Please go and check it out!