“Straight Outta Compton” follows the rise and eventual demise of the infamous and controversial rap group N.W.A. For those not privy to the group’s history, the movie provides an in-depth look into the group’s beginnings and quick rise to fame, as well as the cultural effect the group had, and still has, on pop and youth culture. The film’s air of authenticity, reflects the involvement of original members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Performances were solid throughout, particularly from Ice Cube’s own son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., playing the role of his father. Whether by accident or by design, the film also resonates with many of today’s current racial issues, which was one of my favorite aspects. One of the biggest drawbacks is the two-and-a-half-hour length of the film, granted there is a lot to fit into one feature-length presentation. You truly have to be interested and invested in the movie to fully enjoy the experience that this film offers.
