When the fallout between Cube, Dre, and Eazy takes center stage, however, the script's zeal is camouflaged by the actors' impeccable familiarity and comfort with one another. A fast-forwarded montage during the recording of the title album suggests their tight-knit mantra, but it's moments such as a darkly comic armed hotel confrontation with an angry boyfriend or watching Eazy step up to the mic for the first time only to whimper the opening line to the amusement of the on looking group that makes these performances work so well. Even Paul Giamatti as crooked manager Jerry Heller get involved, bringing reason to the aggressiveness and maintaining a vulnerable stature underneath his alternative motives. But where this chemistry comes into play most effectively is making the group's various conflicts impactful despite being given minimal attention. Boldly bumping 'Fuck Tha Police' in front of an FBI head, Cube effortlessly telling a CNN reporter to eat a dick during an interview, and, most notably during hospital visits to a bed-ridden Eazy when personal vendettas climaxed only a few scenes prior.
Perhaps 'Straight Outta Compton' would have worked better as a mini-series or, at very least, a film that reduced its battles and increased its attention to the alluring crew dynamic from a plot standpoint. Still, after a glaring 148 minutes the film achieved what it originally set out to do and more – featuring a terrific cast, booming soundtrack, and swift – albeit shallow – script that boasts genuine heart when you least expect it.
FULL REVIEW HERE: http://indieadam.com/2015/09/07/straight-outta-compton-review- indieadam/
Perhaps 'Straight Outta Compton' would have worked better as a mini-series or, at very least, a film that reduced its battles and increased its attention to the alluring crew dynamic from a plot standpoint. Still, after a glaring 148 minutes the film achieved what it originally set out to do and more – featuring a terrific cast, booming soundtrack, and swift – albeit shallow – script that boasts genuine heart when you least expect it.
FULL REVIEW HERE: http://indieadam.com/2015/09/07/straight-outta-compton-review- indieadam/