Tag Archives: Biopics

Five Uninformed Thoughts About Straight Outta Compton

14 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by in Film, Music

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Straight_Outta_Compton_posterOn August 15, “Straight Outta Compton”, a biopic focused on the rise and fall of N.W.A was released in theaters worldwide. As of September 13, I still haven’t seen the film, but hope to see it when it’s released on VOD.

My priors: I’m skeptical of all biopics, particularly those produced or enthusiastically endorsed by its subject(s). Even if the performances are great and the story is compelling, it’s impossible for me to ignore the giant conflict of interest. I’m always wondering if the filmmakers are avoiding controversial topics to satisfy their subject or creating a commercial for the subject that helps them develop their brand. I suspect that “Straight Outta Compton” has both problems, but I’m still looking forward to watching it, if only because the story overlaps with my memories as a fan of hip-hop music in the early nineties. I started to pay attention to the stories we tell about hip-hop around the time that N.W.A. fell and Death Row rose to prominence, so I’m all in for any story about that era or those artists, no matter how flawed.

Here are five thoughts about the phenomenon that is “Straight Outta Compton”:
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Get On Up: The Funkless Trailer

30 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Film

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Originally published 3/31/14

Ed Note: I have still not seen Get On Up. I hear Chadwick Boseman did a great job.

Sorry for the delay between posts – the last two weeks have been particularly hectic. After almost seven years, I left my job for a promising new gig at Yale as a representative of the University’s Equal Opportunity Office, where I’ll help further their mission to develop and maintain a diverse workforce and investigate claims of harassment/discrimination. I’ve had about four weeks to wrap up everything related to my job while preparing for a whole new adventure. It’s been pretty amazing and frightening. In other news, I’ve met my fundraising goal for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Run for the Wild 5k at the Bronx Zoo (in support of their 96 Elephants initiative). Much thanks to all the friends and family who donated (particularly my brother, who put me over the top)! There’s still time to register and support!

I’ve read some interesting comics (Afterlife with Archie, the Crew, the Dark Horse Catalyst book), but haven’t had the time to write anything about them. So, in the meantime, here’s a brief rant about an annoying film trailer.

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