Michael Medved reviews ‘Straight Outta Compton’

NWA unexpectedly dominated the airwaves from 1986-91. Now, the iconic hip-hop group is back, but on the big screen.

“Straight Outta Compton” brings the story of NWA to movie theaters nationwide this weekend. It provides a snapshot into the history of the group that launched the careers of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre.

After screening the film, AM 770 KTTH host Michael Medved said “Straight Outta Compton” is skillful, well-acted, and compelling, but it isn’t without considerable flaws.

“The first problem is the movie is two and a half hours long,” Medved told Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Radio. “It’s like a Lord of the Rings movie and not quite as interesting.”

“It’s a classic film biography about sweet, innocent boys who have this incredible talent,” he said. “(They) come together and change the music business, but get seduced by the money and the drugs and the rock and roll. The character arc is so predictable.”

For those who object to offensive language, the film also is heavy on certain words.

“If you have any sensitivity at all to the N-word, please stay away from this movie because that is the second most frequently deployed word in this movie.”

Despite its lack of original story line and character arc, the film has positive points.

“Some of the re-creation of the excitement of these guys rising to the top is quite compelling. All the performances are solid, and the film is well-directed, though it really badly needs an editor,” Medved said. “But O’Shea Jackson Jr. is exceptional. He is the son of Ice Cube and he plays Ice Cube in the movie.”

“When you think about it, hip-hop is such an important part of pop culture, and in terms of the history of the genre, this is one of the first big ambitious films,” he said. “Props to the movie for that. Still, it has dramatic and length problems.”

“Straight Outta Compton” is rated R.