By BRANSON MIKELL

Contributing Writer

The film “Straight Outta Compton,” has solidified itself as an instant hit, making a whopping $60.2 million on opening weekend. The film is based on the rap group, N.W.A., and the hardships they overcame to become one of the most influential hip-hop groups. 

The film takes place in the 1980s in Los Angeles, Ca., when racial tensions were at an all time high with the local law enforcement. The film portrays the background story behind the founding group members– Eazy-E, played by Eric Wright; Dr. Dre, played by Andre Young; Ice Cube, played by O’shea Jackson Jr.; DJ Yella, played by Neil Brown Jr.; and MC Ren, played by Aldis Hodge. 

N.W.A. goes from performing in small, local venues to going on tour and playing in big cities across the country. The movie is filmed in a way that makes one feel passion and sympathy for the hip-hop group. 

I thought the film was visually and emotionally stunning. There are scenes throughout the movie that made me want to get up out of my seat. 

I believe this movie lifts the veil from the hidden truth that media and popular society places on the real problems that people faced during that time.

It sheds light on hip-hop’s rough beginnings and the journey to become its own genre in today’s modern music scene. 

The cast does a fantastic job of portraying each member’s role in the group. 

The acting is outstanding, and Ice Cube’s actual son, O’shea Jackson Jr., plays as Ice Cube. 

In my opinion, the movie’s acting and screenplay make the film worth seeing.