Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. depicts a young version of his dad in Straight Outta Compton, which was directed by F. Gary Gray. “I just think that awareness, and certainly there’s a ways to go with everything we’re seeing, but it brings some of these issues right to the forefront that I would say this generation is so passionate about”. Taking us back to where it all began, the film tells the true story of how these cultural rebels-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most unsafe group, N.W.A.
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Some of those attending the film Friday said they don’t necessarily buy that thought. However, there is some worry that the movie’s gang-related themes, amid current racial tension and police violence, which serves as a significant plot device in the biopic, may stir emotions.
Straight Outta Compton carries a run time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, which will limit the amount of times it can be shown in each theater in a given day. Ice Cube was happy that he was able to reconcile with Eazy-E before his death.
Attendees at the first screenings on Thursday in locations neighboring Compton said they were not concerned about possible violence.
“It appears (the management team) are being proactive and have done some preplanning of their own, adding extra security personnel, separate checkpoints and age/ticket verifications prior to the movie showing”, Schick said.
LAPD spokesperson Jack Richter told Variety: “In light of everything that’s going on, we are dispatching additional officers to theaters that are showing the film”. Sources indicate it could mean reimbursement for security.
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With the movies’ premiere in the wake of demonstrations against police tactics in Ferguson, MO. and the July 23rd theater killings in Louisiana, many theater owners across the country claim, it is simply a safety precaution.
