Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Straight Outta Compton (2015)

What is it about? 

The story of the rise and fall of the N.W.A. group. 

Who is in it?

O'Shea Jackson Jr. - Ice Cube

Corey Hawkins - Dr. Dre

Jason Mitchell - Eazy E

Favorite Scene: 

After taking their tour to Detroit, the group were warned by lawn enforcement to not play "F--- The Police". Mid-way through the show, the group decides to, which eventually leads to them getting arrested and a riot breaking out. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Speak a little truth and people lose their minds."

Review: 

I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to Straight Outta Compton. Many had high regards for it, others told me it wasn't that great. Then of course, there is the whole issue regarding the Oscars. 

In my opinion, SOC is an absolutely fantastic film. So well done. So different from other portrayals of rap or hip hop movies based on the artists (see: Notorious, and all of it's terribleness). The film is shot so well, especially it's camera angles and cinematography - it really is a wonder to watch. The addition of real news clips from the past was also a nice touch that added to the authenticity and feel of the film.

As for the talent, everyone involved with casting deserves the highest praise. O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s portrayal of his dad was downright scary. Corey Hawkins was great as Dr. Dre. And finally, of them all, Jason Mitchell stole the movie as Eazy E. 

Again, a phenomenal film. How this film wasn't nominated for an Oscar is mind boggling. But then again, is it really? 

All in all, a really good film if you were on the fence about SOC. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...