The Significance of Straight Outta Compton in 2015

With the release date set for August 14^th, we were finally treated to the first look at the upcoming biographical drama Straight Outta Compton, a film that will portray the story of the legendary Californian rap group N.W.A.

 

The movie poster for the upcoming biopic.

If you’ve never heard of N.W.A before, you will no doubt have heard of some of the founding members such as Easy-E, DJ Yella, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. The film will show their rise and subsequent fall from the top of the hip hop genre and being one of the biggest rap groups commercially, but more importantly, it will outline a dramatized version of the prejudice the black community of Compton faced during the late 1980’s-1990’s and their notorious conflict between the group and various law enforcement agencies.

Biopic. Drama. Rap group. To some of you, you’re probably reading this thinking “so what?” or “why should I even be interested in something like this?” Well, not only should you be interested in this film but, this could potentially be among one of the most significant films of 2015.

Now, I consider myself to be a major cinephile, so to come out with a claim like that, when this year will see the likes of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Furious 7, Jurassic World and of course, Star Wars VII hitting the big screens, it is a big deal…

So what is my reasoning behind that claim? If you’ve seen any news in the last eight months or so, you might have heard about the recent riots and shootings happening in America. What do they all have in common?

Race.

Straight Outta Compton, while it could be a cinematic masterpiece in its own right – given the rich story behind it and an impactful first trailer – this film will provide a sharp social commentary on contemporary life in America, where racial tensions are unfortunately still running high.

Back in August last year, 18 year-old Michael Brown, an African-American male was shot to death after an altercation with a white police officer, after he was considered to be a suspect in a robbery hours before. The response of the police to the shooting was heavily criticised and, after a further escalation of events, a number of riots began to break out across Ferguson, Missouri. The unrest sparked a vigorous debate about the law enforcement’s relationship with African-Americans, and police use of force doctrine in Missouri and nationwide.

Flashback to the late 1980’s where the streets of Compton, California were filled with a number of black youths outraged at the judicial system and the relentless discrimination and racial profiling by the authorities. It was at this time that N.W.A translated this into honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, giving an explosive voice to a silenced generation. This later led to the Rodney King riots of 1992, a period of civil unrest following the acquittal of a number of police officers on trial regarding a videotaped incident of police brutality, beating King – an African-American – after a high speed pursuit.

Are you seeing any similarities here?

A walk that says fuck tha police...

Back in the late 80’s, despite Compton being one of the most prominent locations for gang violence, drugs and police brutality, it also became one of the fundamental pillars for gangsta rap and the hip hop scene largely due to N.W.A. The group’s lyrics alone had a number violent profanities directed towards governmental institutions and departments like the LAPD and the FBI with songs like ‘Fuck tha Police’, this can be argued that their songs only added further fuel to the fire.

However, the Compton group were only providing a social commentary on the events happening on the streets all while marking the beginning of a revolutionary change within the hip hop genre itself. Back to the future (casually dropping another film reference) and we’re here in 2015; the year where the biopic Straight Outta Compton will be released, the year where the hip hop genre will coincidently explode once again and, it is the year where a social reflection and change regarding racial profiling in certain areas is unquestionably needed.

The release of Straight Outta Compton this year is monumental when looking at current issues, especially with an uncanny echoing of the N.W.A-era, with Compton-born rappers The Game and Tyga beginning to break into the mainstream’s vision as well as the lyrical genius Kendrick Lemar – who makes a brief cameo in the extended trailer for this film – releasing his highly anticipated album this year too. Not only this, the film will be released a year after the start of the Ferguson riots. 

Coincidence?

So, despite this sounding like a history lesson, a sermon or an article that perhaps belongs within the Music section of this magazine, I think the main point to take away from this is the fact that, amidst all of the major blockbusters hitting the screens this year, it’s worth to note some of the lesser publicised films – such as Straight Outta Compton – that will address social and political issues currently developing across the pond. Because of this, Straight Outta Compton can undoubtedly be one of the most important films of 2015.

Despite what Eminem proclaims, Dr Dre is not locked in his basement and will instead perhaps be a part of something that Slim Shady can never quite replicate. 

American Sniper Review

After recently receiving six nominations at this year’s 87^th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, American Sniper had already established a high calibre prior to its release.

The film is a biographical war drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Jason Hall, which centres on the awe-inspiring and melancholic tale of navy SEAL Chris Kyle, a sniper who was accredited officially with 160 kills; the deadliest marksman in US military history.

Based on Chris Kyle’s autobiography, the film highlights the true horrors of modern warfare, the rough terrain of the Middle East, wrought with tension and suspense at every turn. While the screenplay arguably lacks depth into the true psychological toll of war, it still maintains a sound structure with notable progression in the narrative and overall character development; portraying a worthwhile cinematic story.

Stars Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller show fantastic onscreen chemistry as both Chris and Taya Kyle, but the real star is Cooper, who puts in his best performance and transformation within a role yet; worthy of his Best Actor nomination.

Bradley Cooper transforms into Chris Kyle in this war biopic, pulling on the heartstrings of Americans.

Cooper is thrown deep into the mind set of Kyle’s life, reacting in a somewhat reserved and robotic manner to the horrors and hardships he had to face both emotionally and physically in the war zone and outside of it while back at home. A somewhat lacklustre third act of the script fails to deliver that impactful convergence of theme and character arc and the true emotional toil of war.

Sienna Miller punches home with an impressive and emotional portrayal of Kyle’s wife, combining her skills and distinctive personality to make every gut-wrenching and tear-jerking moment stick, in particular a scene where she overhears Chris in battle over the phone. While the main focus is on the tale of both Chris and Taya Kyle, the supporting cast help to bolster their performances and act as necessary stops to keep the narrative moving forward.

With impressive action sequences, crafted with meticulous detail, Clint Eastwood really shows off his skills with an array of sombre shots, highlighting the gritty nature of war and the backdrop of the Middle East. In a clear and edgy cinematic capacity, American Sniper is filled with high-octane and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

The pallid, drab and monotonous tone of the film further enhances the callousness of the Middle East, where a majority of the film takes place, and strengthens its impressive cinematography. Proving to be a strong biopic with striking action sequences, American Sniper is possibly one of the best modern war films since Black Hawk Down or Hurt Locker. Complete with moving performances from its two leads, wrapped in suspense and a dramatic take on the mental afflictions that war brings, American Sniper proves to be worthy of its Oscar nominations and critical acclaim.

9/10.

2015 TV Schedule

As promised, here is an indepth look at some of the shows releasing in the next few months, complete with release dates and some personal recommendations! Enjoy TV watchers! A key is at the bottom.

TV Shows to Check out in 2015

While 2015 is set to be the year to end all years in terms of films scheduled to be released, the small screen has an emphatic year ahead of it too.

This year will see comedy come back with a force with the final season of Parks & Recreation, the fifth season of Workaholics, the sixth season of Modern Family and the tenth season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Not only that, 2015 will see the returns of; the hit fantasy show Game of Thrones, the critically acclaimed True Detective, the hit Brit show Sherlock, the heart-pounding The Americans and the award-winning Fargo all scheduled to have new seasons released this year, the big hitters will be accompanied by some new shows and the return of others that took one hell of a mid-season break.

After a string of earth-shattering and internet-breaking mid-season finales, there are a few shows that have many questions left to be answered, like: [*SPOILERS AHEAD*]

A solemn Rick Grimes does what he can to keep his friends and family alive...

What other horrors are in store for Rick, Daryl and the Gang? (The Walking Dead)

Did they really just kill Oliver Queen? (Arrow)

Is Harrison Wells really the Reverse Flash? (The Flash)

Will Raven lash out at Clarke after killing Finn? Will peace be kept between them and the Grounders? (The 100)

Will Oswald Cobblepot become The Penguin this season? (Gotham)

Now that Annalise Keating knows, will the group get away with Sam’s murder and clear Rebecca’s name? (How to Get Away with Murder)

So many questions from so many shows that have had millions over the Christmas break wanting more! But unfortunately, we have to wait – for some shows at least – another month before having these questions addressed.

But amidst the returning shows, a handful of newcomers will be looking to make an impact and garner a following from the start of the year.

Empire: Premiered January 7^th 2015

Terrence Howard shows off his ambitious side in this new drama

Empire is an upcoming musical drama television series about a music empire starring Terrance Howard.

Howard plays a successful hip-hop artist that receives a medical diagnosis that predicts he will be incapacitated in three years. This prompts Lucious Lyon (Howard), a man has ruled the music empire unchallenged, while without further damaging his family, must decide which of his three troubled sons will take over. The reappearance of his ex-wife only complicates things further after she says he owes her for taking the fall for the drug-running that financed his early career.

The fact that the show is a musical based drama was interesting in itself and worth checking out, and the fact that it was one of FOX's highest rated shows in a long while proved its weight. The dark tone the show has embedded within it makes it a highly worthwhile show as you mull over the mid-season questions.

Better Call Saul: Premiering February 8^th 2015

Who ya gonna call?? Well if it ain't the Ghostbusters, it should be this guy...

Coming in early February, we will be returning to the world of AMC’s Breaking Bad and following the adventures of the immoral and brazen lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk). Better Call Saul will show the trials and tribulations of the criminal lawyer in the time leading up to establishing his strip-mall law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and before the time of Heisenberg.

Last Man on Earth: Premiering March 1^st 2015

Will Forte doing practically a one man show?? Just take my money now!

The Last Man on Earth is a new comedy about the life and adventures of the last man on earth. Phil Miller (Will Forte) was once just an average guy who loved his family and hated his job at the bank – now he’s humanity’s last hope.

The premise of this show is intriguing, already raising questions like; is he really alone? Where did everyone else go? And with rising actor Will Forte starring, it should be worth the watch.

American Crime: Premiering March 5^th 2015

With a name like that, what's not to like?

American Crime is an upcoming American Anthology crime drama series that will center on race, class, and gender politics as it follows a racially charged murder and the subsequent trial.

Community: Premiering March 17^th 2015

#SixSeasonsAndAMovie looms ever closer

Being picked up for another season by online network Yahoo!, this meta-comedy will aim to go back to its comedic roots as one of Yahoo!’s flagship shows. A show that’s always been ahead of its time and has always been an internet show will finally have its freedom on the internet.

Marvel’s Daredevil: Premiering April 10th 2015

Marvel? Mixing with Netflix? If anything looked like perfection, it'd be this.

As Marvel’s dominance in film and television continue, they move over to Netflix with the start of their Defenders series, starting with Daredevil this coming May. Lawyer-by-day Matt Murdock uses his heightened senses from being blinded as a young boy to fight crime at night on the streets of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as superhero Daredevil. Expect this to break the internet when it arrives after Avengers: Age of Ultron in May.

Westworld: Premiering late 2015

Ever seen that Itchy & Scratchy Land episode of The Simpsons? That's what this is... just less Homer Simpson

Westworld is an upcoming science fiction thriller television series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy for HBO, based on the 1973 MGM film of the same name, which was written and directed by American novelist Michael Crichton.

Described as “a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the future of sin,” the series tells the story of a futuristic amusement park called Westworld. The series will star big names such as Thandie Newton, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden and the legendary Anthony Hopkins.

Obviously this is only a glimpse at some of the shows that will be gracing our screens this coming year; but we will also seeing the conclusion of a few shows, such as critically acclaimed Mad Men and unequivocally funny Parks & Recreation.

A more in-depth television schedule/guide with personal recommendations to help you navigate and never miss a televisual moment in 2015 can be found here!