Straight Outta Compton

"A palpable sense of timely relevance helps this musical biopic overcome the formulaic traps that fell almost every other contemporary addition to the genre. Which isn't to say that Straight Outta Compton doesn't rely on biopic formula in its own way. But that said, the events on display have so much retroactive power, it's impossible not to pump your fist."

"Timeless in its depiction of how artists and writers transform the world around them..."

"Soars for an hour before spiralling into a bloated, melodramatic mess. Still, it’s worth it for the early ferocity, capturing just how powerful N.W.A really were."

"The first half of Straight Outta Compton... is bursting with energy, exuberance and inspiration. The second half is immobilised by bloat and sanctification."

"It's rare that a band made famous by controversy can stay relevant even a few years on. But more than two decades later, N.W.A.'s music still has the power to shock and startle."

"What stands is an amazement, an electrifying piece of hip-hop history that speaks urgently to right now."

"Wields its maximum impact in a gripping first half: where the group rapidly get their abrasive act together, then rush headlong at an unsuspecting world."

"A hugely entertaining film that works best if you don’t look at it too closely and just listen."

"Potent and visceral in its depiction of street life and blinged-up excess alike, Straight Outta Compton delivers big beats of both kinds."