‘Straight Outta Compton’
Longtime admirers of the Los Angeles ensemble N.W.A., who helped create West Coast gangsta rap with their confrontational lyrics and defiant, physically aggressive performance, will be pleased by this portrait of newly minted artists as combative, wildly gifted — if not always self-controlled — young men.
And thanks to eerily on-point timing and adroit direction from F. Gary Gray, this classic star-is-born story manages to transcend its own tight focus. As the film makes clear, the unfiltered rage that got the band into so much trouble — with parental groups, federal authorities, radio stations and censorious social critics — had its roots in grim realities that are all too palpable today.
The film is wildly entertaining as the members of N.W.A. — Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren — go from neighborhood heroes to bona fide stars, selling out arenas. Perhaps most important, Mr. Gray has assembled a pitch-perfect cast to portray the band, including Ice Cube's real-life son.
After a lively, engrossing, often funny first hour or so, the film begins to feel repetitive, and it never addresses, much less questions, the misogyny embedded in so much of N.W.A.'s lyrics. As enlightening as it is entertaining, as sobering as it is exhilarating, “Straight Outta Compton” reminds viewers not only who N.W.A. were and what they meant, but also why they mattered — and still do.
Extras include “N.W.A. The Origins,” in which Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and many others talk about N.W.A.’s start in the ’80s and how it all began; “Impact,” an exploration of the impact of N.W.A. and their breakout album; “Director's Journey” featurette; “The Streets: Filming in Compton” featurette; “N.W.A Performs in Detroit”; commentary with director-producer Gray. Blu-ray adds deleted scenes; “Becoming N.W.A.” casting featurette; and a never-before-seen performance.
Rated R for obscenity throughout, strong sexuality, nudity, violence and drug use.
— The Washington Post
‘The Intern’
Robert De Niro plays a 70-year-old widower who becomes a “senior” intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by a young woman (Anne Hathaway) in this comedy from writer-director Nancy Meyers.
The film makes a case for the value of employees of all ages in the workplace, the camaraderie and cooperation that can exist rather than the battle lines often drawn, and the complications that can arise when an e-commerce company exceeds its five-year goals in a matter of months.
Most important, it allows Mr. De Niro to demonstrate a deft touch with light comedy and to work well opposite Ms. Hathaway.
Rated PG-13 for some suggestive content and brief strong language.
— Post-Gazette
‘Everest’
Shot in Nepal on the foothills of Everest, the Italian Alps and at European studios, this adventure was inspired by two climbing expeditions challenged beyond their limits by a fierce snowstorm.
New Zealand's safety-conscious expedition leader Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) is in charge, backed up by base-camp coordinator Helen Wilton (Emily Watson). Cocky Texas climber Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin) is their star client. Mailman Doug Hansen (John Hawkes), who failed to summit the previous year, is grateful for the discount he's been given — from $65,000 — this year.
Mountain climbing is tough on domestic relationships. “I think he’s scared,” says Beck’s worried wife (Robin Wright) back in Dallas. Rob’s wife (Keira Knightley) just wants her husband to come back in time for the birth of their child. Another climber, asked how his wife is coping, replies, “She’s fine with it, ever since we got divorced.” Seattle-based guide Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal), a hard-drinking slacker, has issues of his own, including competition for clients and publicity.
The descent is much more treacherous than the ascent. A sudden violent storm engulfs the climbers in an epic struggle to survive. In many ways, it's an old-fashioned disaster movie with a gallery of characters, some of whom are destined not to make it.
Rated PG-13 for intense peril and disturbing images.
— Post-Gazette
ALSO NEW ON DVD:
“The Diary of a Teenage Girl”: Coming-of-age tale based on Phoebe Gloeckner’s novel.
“The Saint: Seasons Three and Four”: Roger Moore plays Simon Templar in this TV series from the 1960s.
“Pound Puppies: A Rare Pair”: It’s raining cats, dogs and an alligator.
“Jem and the Holograms”: Underground video star becomes global superstar. Aubrey Peeples stars.
“Woodlawn”: In 1973, a spiritual awakening captures the hearts of the Woodlawn High School football team.
“All Things Must Pass”: Colin Hanks directed this documentary about the fall of Tower Records.
“A Girl Like Her”: Teen girl wears a hidden camera to document bullying.
“Isn’t It Delicious”: Woman races against the clock to fix her broken family.
“The Condemned 2”: Randy Orton and Eric Roberts star in this action thriller.
“I Am Thor”: Biography of metal legend Jon Mikl Thor.
“The Guardian”: Live-in babysitter creates supernatural problems.
“A Bear’s Story: Spirit’s Adventure”: Young cub ventures too far away from his family.
“Time Scanners: Colosseum”: Famous Roman structure is examined.
“Sisters: Season Three”: The four Reed sisters continue their shared journey. Swoosie Kurtz stars.
“I Believe in Unicorns”: Strong-willed teenage girl escapes into a twisted fantasy life.
“Little House on the Prairie: Season Eight”: The five-disc set includes all 22 remastered episodes of the family drama.
“The Doctor Blake Mysteries: Season One”: Dr. Lucien Blake (Craig McLachlan) returns to his Australian hometown to take over his late father’s practice.
“Stonewall”: Based on events leading up to the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
“Swamp People: Season 6”: Troy and the other swampers go on a 30-day alligator hunt.
— Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee
First Published: January 21, 2016, 5:00 a.m.
