147 minutes, Biography/Drama, MA15+

This very much hyped film chronicling hip hop group NWA that many people are eager to see has arrived, and with an almighty bang. Fresh from its homeland, the USA where it has broken the box office opening record for an R-rated film with $60 million, this biographical drama centers on the rise of music artists known to the world as Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E, among others. STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, the name of NWA’s (you can Google what that acronym stands for, if you don’t already know!) debut album is an exploration and an exploitation of the events that drove these artists to perform and follows their musical careers and trajectories, both triumphant and tragic.

Before STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON went straight to the editing room, it had an original cut of 3 hours and 30 minutes running time! The final product is an ambitious and adrenaline-charged biopic straight from the heart sent straight to our senses. There is zero subtlety to be found in F. Gary Gray’s (director of LAW ABIDING CITIZEN and THE ITALIAN JOB) motion picture which stars a predominantly unknown cast and the special casting of O’Shea Jackson Jr, who is portraying his real-life father, Ice Cube. They’re all convincing enough in their respective roles but occasional signs of inexperience are evident, especially considering the dramatic highs STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON frequently strives to achieve. This heavyweight hip-hop fiesta has plenty of significant moments in history as well as the lives of these artists it wants to cover. It does so in a most vigorous style that fans of this group will immediately find highly involving. For most others, the chronicle of these stars’ lives may have been a more fulfilling experience had the film’s screenplay applied its concentration to fewer key themes and instances than the ground work showcased over the two and a half hours here.

♥ ♥ ♥

Click Here for Straight Outta Compton film trailer

Footnote to Parents
Despite this group and more so certain artists having a fan base well younger than 16 year of age, I strongly suggest (much to the dismay of these minors) that you restrict children aged under 16 from seeing STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. 293 instances of the f-word (which ranks as #16 for a film that contains the most f-words in history!), some strong sexuality and nudity, and drug use is what you should know, should there be any doubt to my advice.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Universal Pictures and Hoyts Melbourne Central for the invitation to the media screening of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.

Review by Moviedoc
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