Contributing Writer
Jared Hill
The Jamestown Gazette is pleased to bring our readers insightful and informative reviews of some of the nation’s most popular, current films. Jared Hill’s past commentary and reviews will be archived at Jamestown Gazette’s website, www.jamestowngazette.com.
Why Straight Outta Compton is beloved by Hip Hop and those outside of rap music.
Let’s first acknowledge how well-crafted of a film Straight Outta Compton truly was and still is. From top to bottom, Compton was spectacular. The plot, completely true in form through the eyes of producers Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, was highly entertaining and deeply meaningful.
There are scenes of concerts in Compton and Detroit (as well as the soundtrack) that’ll have you jumping in your seat with a hand in the air. The guns, violence, and women are all entertaining, but what supplements those highs and are the lows that NWA personifies, growing up in the mad city known as Compton, CA. Tragedy follows them in and out the city, and you can feel their pain.
What made NWA successful was their aggressive reality raps that landed them in the national spotlight. Their lyrics in songs such as Boyz N Da Hood, Straight Outta Compton, and most notoriously F*** tha Police, incited media scrutiny and public outrage. But for many who heard what NWA was saying on those tracks, the controversy only made fans love them even more.
Yella, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E and Ice Cube had the courage to battle their way out of the hood with their West Coast sounds and crooked rhymes. They represented their lifestyle without fear. What stands out the most in Compton is how incredibly human these “gangster rappers” truly are.
This film helps close the distance between what is perceived and what is reality. For those of us who don’t live in Compton, and for those who don’t approve of Hip Hop I say to you this: you are a product of your environment. N.W.A. (Niggaz With Attitudes) is the commercial by-product of Compton. Put yourself in their shoes. Better yet, watch Straight Outta Compton.
Rating: 4/4
Good Will Hunting
The dawning of the fall semester is upon us, and what better way to show everyone that you’re wicked smart (that’s wicked sm-AH-t), by regurgitating some Matt Damon dialogue; or walking into your Intro to Psychology class, and letting the person next to you know, “It’s not your fault.” After they break down and sob heavily in your arms from the emotional torment of the new semester, you’ll be thankful that you took my advice and watched this movie before school starts. Be sure to thank your custodial staff.
Rating: 4/4
