Review of Straight Outta Compton (2015) by Wayne K — 19 May 2016

A powerfully acted, emotionally resonant and culturally significant piece of work, Straight Outta Compton charts the rise and fall of the N.W.A., one of the world's most aggressive bands, who let ego, money and internal conflicts tear them apart, despite their shared goals and mutual opinions.

I was never a fan of the band personally, but despite this I was fascinated seeing these men come together and record the music that made them megastars, and said what so many wanted to say but were too afraid to do so.

The movie succeeds in not portraying the central characters as pure thugs, but as a marginalised and oppressed minority who wrote and recorded songs that reflected their attitudes and take on life at the time.

They were discriminated against, harassed and kicked around, and the best way they could retaliate was through their music. The 3 lead performances are all fantastic, each actor giving their take on the iconic rappers Eazy E, Dr.

Dre and Ice Cube, making each one memorable and understandable. It does go on a little long, and has a fair amount that could have been cut, as well as a fair amount that really out to have been included, if the historical facts I've read are true.

But overall, while not the most revolutionary biopic ever filmed, S.O.C. has plenty of dynamic energy, a brutal story and plenty of entertainment value. Check it out whether you're a fan of the band or not.