O’Shea Jackson Jr. – We Are Movie Geeks

DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA – Review

Just ten days into the new year and it appears that the studios are trying to create a new action thriller franchise. Technically it really began in 2018 with a flick that attempted to combine a heist caper plot with a police procedural led by a detective that’s not exactly squeaky clean. It did modest business (some might say barely a box office “ripple”), so this sequel is more than unexpected (“outta’ nowhere” is more like it). But since the big Summer blockbuster season feels light years away, especially with the weather’s artic plunge, those fans of tough guys with big guns driving fast cars need an adrenaline “fix”. And if they “check their brains” at the concession counter, then they may get the needed “rush” from DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA.

Whoa, in the opening moments, we’re thrust right into a big “heist” involving computer hacking, a phony flight attendant, pilfered jewels, and a hijacked armored vehicle. Hey, it sounds similar to that big crime seven years ago. Well, that was in the US rather than a busy foreign international airport, though there is one familiar face. Barking commands in French is that criminal mastermind Donnie Wilson (Oshea Jackson, Jr.). Luckily, his old nemesis back in the States gets wind of it through his stripper snitch Holly (Meadow Williams). LA County Sheriff’s Department Detective Nick “Big Nike” O’Brien (Gerard Butler) needs a new case to occupy his time having just endured a really nasty divorce. After pulling a few strings with the feds, Nick’s on his way across the pond to a quaint, quiet Marseilles, which has an elite, and very protected jewelry exchange district. This is where Donnie and his crew have settled in. He uses gems from that airport heist to open a space in one of the office buildings, aided by the proper “intro” from the gang’s “femme fatale” Jovanna (Evin Ahmad). It seems those heist jewels were bait in order to break into the big vault in that exclusive district. Ah, but Donnie’s plans shift with the unexpected arrival of Nick. Hold up, this cop wants “in” on the score. Has he really gone rogue, or is Nick truly under deep, deep “cover”? Donnie’s got to take a chance, otherwise his crew will turn on him (some already are planning that). But Nick is in contact with the local cops, who tell him that the armored heist has made them a target of the feared Panther mafia, who want to retrieve a revered family stone that was part of the theft. Will these new “players” botch the job, or will Nick work with Donnie and disavow his cop career and turn his back on the “badge”?

Butler easily shifts back into swaggering “bro” mode as “big Nick”, though this new plot throws a few curves his way. Mainly in his new ‘stomping grounds” far away from “La La” Land. This allows Butler to display his comedic chops as the burly, coarse cop being the loud, violent “fish out of water” in the cultured climes of Marseilles. And he’s got to “clean up his act” considerably and adjust his “fashion sense” in order to glide in and out of the “diamond fortress”. To do so, he must follow the lead of Donnie, played with smooth and silky confidence by the charismatic Jackson, who’s quite believable as the crew’s “point man”. Despite their past conflicts, Donnie and Nick become a slick team shifting into a duo capable of this complex game of deception and duplicity. Complimenting them is the sultry Ahmad whose fashion-model looks and poise distract. allowing her to use her keen intellect in easily accessing and evading the tight (much like her attire) security measures in place.

Also returning for this follow-up is writer/director Christian Gudegast, who attempts to tweak the story structure of the original with the exotic European locales. and the ambiguity of Nick’s motivations as we wonder if he has embraced the “outlaw’ life. Unfortunately, the obstacle more daunting than the hallway camera and the countless guards scanning the multiple monitors is the languid pacing that makes its 144 runtime (c’mon, really) feel like a round trip to France…in coach. The flick has far too many scenes of the guys trying to out “macho” each other at various bars and bistros, including a disco packed to the gills with supermodels in tight shiny gowns (of course, a big brawl occurs). Plus there are endless “prep” bits (the crew clashes over the music choices) that wear us down before the big “break-in”, which includes every possible “crime caper” cliche. It feels like a retread of heist ” challenges” done with more style and suspense in the OCEANS and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE franchises (they must climb up a long metal hook between buildings, so we’re waiting for the eventual “slip”). And as with most action flicks, we get multiple endings to allow for double and “triple crosses”. All this is in service to a sequel that nobody was demanding other than investors of the forgettable 2018 original. Hopefully, all of this tiresome “mach-man” preening will be shelved after the chaotic cinema crimes of DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA.

1/2 Out of 4

DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA opens in theatres everywhere on Friday, January 10. 2025

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA – Stars Gerard Butler And O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Gerard Butler (Plane, Has Fallen series) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) return in the sequel to 2018’s action-heist hit Den of Thieves. In DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA, Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

Written and directed by Christian Gudegast; Based on characters created by Christian Gudegast & Paul Scheuring, DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA opens in theaters on January 10.

https://www.denofthieves.movie

The St. Louis screening is at 7PM on Wednesday, December 18^th at AMC Esquire 7 (6pm Suggested Arrival)

LINK: http://www.lionsgatescreenings.com/lpieB97120

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

This film is rated R.

Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Panthera. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

“Between Darkness And Defeat, HOPE Survives” Watch The First Trailer For Disney + OBI-WAN KENOBI

Today, Disney+ released the teaser trailer for “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” giving fans an exciting first look at the highly anticipated limited series, which launches exclusively on the streaming service on May 25.

The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

The series stars Ewan McGregor, reprising his role as the iconic Jedi Master, and also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is directed by Deborah Chow and executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor and Joby Harold.

Fifth Brother (Sung Kang, seated on right) and Reva (Moses Ingram, standing) in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Fifth Brother (Sung Kang) in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Moses Ingram, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Joel Edgerton, Kumail Nanjiani, Rupert Friend Join Hayden Christensen And Ewan McGregor On Disney + Event Series OBI-WAN KENOBI

“Obi-Wan Kenobi,” the new Disney+ special event series starring Ewan McGregor as the iconic Jedi Master, will begin shooting in April.

The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Kenobi faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is directed by Deborah Chow, director of two critically acclaimed episodes of “The Mandalorian,” Season 1.

The series also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader.

Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor and writer Joby Harold. The casting director is Carmen Cuba.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” will be available exclusively on Disney+.

LONG SHOT – Review

So, you’re looking for a different kind of film this weekend, maybe a light snack about the glorious super-powered feast that most of the world devoured (and is still savoring) just a few days ago. Perhaps a “rom-com” may be just the thing, maybe featuring an Oscar winner? So, who’s her co-star? How about a “hook-up” with today’s unofficial “stoner” comedy star? Why am I asking so many questions (okay, just one more)? But just where would this unlikely duo connect? The world of global politics, of course! Still, most folks would consider the chance of these two “getting busy” a very LONG SHOT But hey, anything can happen at the movies.

We first meet one half of the romantic duo, Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) as he finishes up some truly dangerous undercover research on an expose he’s writing for a scrappy, almost underground weekly newspaper. Ah, but his journalistic triumph is cut short when he’s informed that his paper has been bought out by right-wing media mogul Parker Wembley. Well, Fred has his integrity so he resigns despite his boss’s pleas to fire him (so he can collect unemployment). Upon hearing of this, Fred’s BFF Lance (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) insists that he treat him to a day of indulgence. Said day caps off with a performance by their fave R & B group at a fancy charity cocktail party. At that same party is the other half of said duo, Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who’s had quite a day herself. Her boss, President Chambers (Bob Odenkirk) informed her that he will not be seeking a second term. With the prodding of her aides Maggie (June Diane Raphael) and Tom (Ravi Patel), she decides to make a run at the Oval Office. Back on that fateful evening Charlotte and Fred lock eyes across the big party. She can’t place him, but he recalls her as his ideal back when she was his babysitter. She was his big unrequited “crush”. After her secret service agents bring him over, the two enjoy a reunion that’s cut short by the overbearing Wembley himself (Andy Serkis). This leads to a “viral video” moment and the two part. But Fred’s in the back of her mind, especially when Maggie and Tom tell her that the public doesn’t think she’s got much of a sense of humor. Charlotte’s read and enjoyed Fred’s articles and he’s outta’ work, so why not hire him to “punch up” her speeches? But she has to convince Fred that she will stick to her principals and not back down. She succeeds and Fred is joining them on the pre-campaign trail. Soon that long-ago attraction is rekindled. They try to keep it on the “down low”, but for how long? And can the voters possibly accept her with him?

This new work marks another success in the film career of unique star and, we can now certainly say, movie leading man Rogen. He could have made a safe comfortable living just starring in silly “weed” flicks like PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, but he’s strived to take on projects outside that “comfort zone”. Hey, he was even a superhero (though THE GREEN HORNET didn’t kick off a new franchise), has provided some cartoon voices (the family-friendly KUNG FU PANDA and MONSTERS VS. ALIENS and the not-for-kids SAUSAGE PARTY), and showed us his dramatic chops in STEVE JOBS and TAKE THIS WALTZ. Here’s he’s closer to his characters in KNOCKED UP and the NEIGHBORS flicks with some of the smarts from THE INTERVIEW. Rogen makes Flarsky more than the “doofus snags a hottie” in that he’s a determined investigator, with a strict sense of purpose and ethics that often work against his likability. Despite enjoying a “good time” Fred can be strident and close-minded, and Rogen shows us a guy that has trouble adjusting to the compromises of the “real world”. Luckily his character is guided by Theron’s strong, assured performance as Field who knows that you’ve got to “bend’ a bit, but wonders if she “gives in” too often. With Flarsky, she recalls those younger idealistic days with both joy-filled nostalgia and a touch of regret. Theron’s stunning looks draws us toward her particularly in those diplomatic dinner parties, but, as with Rogen, that can work against her, as many assume she’s doesn’t possess a sharp mind and a razor-sharp wit. And in the final act, Theron shows us how Field has been liberated by her friendship and eventual romance with Fred, generating real “heat’ even as they debate and disagree.

If the chemistry between the two leads weren’t enough, they’re surrounded by a horde of talented comic actors. Jackson is compiling quite a resume, this time giving us a street-savvy media tycoon who still like to “kick it” with his pals, and is the perfect “wing” man. Raphael is a treat as the non-nonsense b#*l-busting aide/campaign manager who tries to become a “living wall” between Fred and Charlotte while hiding her own secrets. Patel scores some chuckles as the put-upon number two in the Field team who could be pals with Fred. Randall Park has a terrific comic cameo as Fred’s understanding editor. The biggest surprise here may be Alexander Skarsgard as the handsome hunky Canadian Prime Minister (how’d they come up with that character). Though they photograph together like a dream (Joe and Jane Q. Public just eat them up like “eye” candy), the pairing of him with Field just doesn’t “click”. Beyond a casual flirt, Skarsgard is endearingly awkward as he fails at “sealing the deal”. The film’s real laugh-generator is Odenkirk whose TV actor turned politico trying to turn movie star is inspired casting. Plus he plays both “boob” (watching ad really enjoying clips of himself as the prez’ on his old TV show) and ruthless deal maker and career breaker when Field doesn’t “play nice” for his backers. The biggest of which is media magnate Wembley played with nasty troll-like glee by a nearly unrecognizable Serkis. Really, I had no idea who it was till the end credits rolled. Whether he’s using “motion capture” or, in this role, old-fashioned make-up and wigs, Serkis is one of our most gifted character actors.

Veteran comedy director Jonathan Levine (he worked with Rogen on THE NIGHT BEFORE and 50/50) keeps the pace bouncing along, avoiding the deadly “lull at the one hour mark” that crashes many comic films. He expertly uses quick edits along with slow motion to punch up the slapstick set-ups, while slowing things down for the intimate sequences that show love blossoming from the respect between the two leads. Of course, none of this would play without the whip-smart script from another comedy vet Dan Sterling (Lotsa’ TV and THE INTERVIEW) and relative newcomer Liz Hannah whose biggest credit is THE POST (this may account for some of the “insider” digs at the media and the “beltway”). They provide some great gags about the devotion to polls and surveys (Field is annoyed that her laugh and her waving”, as in saying “bye bye”, don’t “track” well). And big kudos to them for establishing early on that Charlotte is a few years older than Fred (the painfully funny flashback is a highlight). This sort of thing wouldn’t be permitted just a few years back when leading men had several decades on their romantic co-stars (still happens too much today), so bravo. They’ve combined some of the hilarity of Rogen’s “party” pics with the unlikely pairing love story of KNOCKED UP and the swooning political romance of THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT. If you’re looking for silly slapstick and smart satire then this new flick is truly no LONG SHOT.

4.5 Out of 5

DEN OF THIEVES – Review

Right now at the multiplex playground a spirited game of “cops and robbers” is just beginning, probably right next to that game of “war on horseback” we previously discussed. Yes, this is a crime thriller, but as the game’s title indicates , both teams on opposite sides of the law pretty much gets equal screen time. The best of this film genre often puts the audience in a moral conflict. Like many crime flicks that involve an intricately plotted caper (or when the main crew has to do “one last job” as in the recent BABY DRIVER). we follow all the planning stages, so we can’t help ourselves from wanting to see if thing really goes off “without a hitch” (of course, unforseen complications always arise). But then these are criminals, so we are compelled to root for “the 5-0” to get wind off their activities and thwart the heist and getaway. Muddying the waters even more, how do we feel when those law enforcers become law breakers on the job, when the criminals seem to have a stronger moral code? That’s a lot to ponder after you enter this DEN OF THIEVES.

To paraphrase the opening title of a classic TV cop show, “This is the city, Los Angeles, California”, and according to the on-screen statistics, it’s the bank robbery capital of the world. We follow an armored money-transport truck as it pulls into the lot of an all-night eatery in the pre-dawn hours. As the drivers return with their coffee to go, masked men wearing protective armor and toting high-powered assault weapons emerge. Soon the bullets are flying, delaying the criminals’ plans for a quick “grab and go”. Suddenly squad cars arrive, but they’re no match for the crew’s firepower. But instead of unloading the truck, the team splits up, and the armored truck is driven to a garage run by Merrimen’s (Pablo Schreiber) gang. A few hours later, the sun rises on the crime scene, and officers of the sheriff’s department, led by the coarse, hung over Nick Flanagan (Gerard Butler) are combining through the carnage. Back at the station, they’re surprised to learn that the stolen truck was empty, having already made its delivery. Combining the files, they learn that Merrimen is eight months fresh out of prison. Nick’s got a hunch, but rather than confront him directly they decide to lean on a recent contact of Merrimen, a low-level car thief turned bartender named Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.). Nick’s squad scoops up Donnie and takes him to a seedy motel room for an “off the record” interrogation. Donnie insists that he’s just a “wheelman” and is kept in the dark. A flashback reveals that the truck heist is part of Merrimen’s master plan of stealing from the “bank of banks’, the Federal Reserve. Can he and his crew pull off this “big score” or will the “loose cannon” Nick and his men “play dirty” and stop them?

Commanding most of the film’s running time as the commander of the cops, is Butler in full “bad boy” mode, cursing, boozing, brawling, chain-smoking, scowling, and growling. Full of macho swagger, he’s a more verbose variation of Dirty Harry, but Butler gives us the tragic, self-destructive guy beneath the down and dirty law man. His excesses may help him on the job, but they derail any attempts at a stable family life. Speaking of family, Schreiber is the stern father figure to a very hardened crew of criminal. With an icy stare, he is a force that is not to be questioned as he tasks his men with their duties. He’s quick to discipline, while still joining his men in recreation, even helping with a prank. The film provides another impressive role for a second generation actor, Jackson as the conflicted Donnie. His somewhat easy-going manner masks a great intelligence as he must react quickly in his tightrope walk between his crew and the police. After his breakthrough role as his pop in STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, Jackson is proving to be an engaging screen presence with his follow-up in the quirky INGRID GOES WEST, and this complex character. And don’t be deceived by the marketing. Though he’s featured prominently in the movie poster (much larger than the others), rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is a supporting player as Merrimen’s right hand man. But he’s a compelling presence, especially in the movie’s most enjoyable scene as he is the most intimating papa any suitor could encounter.

Exploding right “out of the gate” with its armored truck shoot-out, director and co-writer Christian Gudegast shows his hand early. The film immediately sets itself up as a off-spring (maybe a son or grandson) of Michael Mann’s iconic HEAT, an aspiration it fails to achieve. This time we get little of the criminal kingpin’s personal life, but there’s way too much time devoted to the crumbling marriage of his nemesis. Just as the OCEAN’S ELEVEN-style caper seems to be kicking into high gear, the plot stops dead in its tracks to show Nick visiting one of his daughters at her school during recess, separated by a fence (so much for subtlety). This adds 15 or so minutes of fat to what should be a lean, mean movie machine. The execution of the big heist is far too complicated, with way too many moving parts (guard uniforms, sewers, and, no kidding, Chinese food delivery). It all culminates in a long protracted shoot-out during a traffic tie-up. Yes, gunfire and gridlock. The flicks then makes a sharp left right into a final (for real this time) sequence that evokes THE USUAL SUSPECTS. The script needed a couple more passes or maybe a much tighter, unforgiving edit. This might have transformed the end result into the taunt gritty cops and crime thriller, rather than the “not as clever as it thinks it is” start and stop detour that is the road to the DEN OF THIEVES.

3 Out of 5

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Blu-ray/DVD Available On January 19, 2016

Follow the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. as they forge their anger and inner-city frustrations into the most potent weapon imaginable: their music. In Straight Outta Compton: Unrated Director’s Cut fans can follow N.W.A.’s electrifying lyrics and unique sound, which introduced a truth that no one had heard before and exposed life in the hood igniting a social revolution that still reverberates today.

The culturally relevant and explosively entertaining biopic is coming to Digital HD on January 5, 2016 and Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand January 19, 2016 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The Blu-ray and Digital HD versions include the exclusive Unrated Director’s Cut that gives fans more of the N.W.A. story with 20 additional minutes of the film. Directed by F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job, Friday), Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of five young rebels from South Central Los Angeles who, armed with only their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent, stood up to the authorities attempting to keep them down.

With an 89% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and hailed by critics as, “an electrifying piece of hip-hop history that speaks urgently to right now,” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), Straight Outta Compton bowed as the box office’s biggest R-rated August opening of all time and biggest musical biopic ever, grossing $60 million during its opening weekend and generating over $200 million worldwide to date.

Read WAMG’s review here.

Following the rise of the world’s most notorious group, Straight Outta Compton features breakout stars O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube), Corey Hawkins (Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (the late Eazy-E), Neil Brown, Jr. (DJ Yella) and Aldis Hodge (MC Ren) as members of N.W.A. and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti (HBO’s John Adams) as the group’s manager.

As the essential companion piece to the home entertainment release, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release Straight Outta Compton: The Soundtrack. This new collection is the official soundtrack featuring key cuts from the film including “Quiet On Tha Set,” “Gangsta Gangsta,” “Express Yourself” and the explosive title track. In addition, Straight Outta Compton: Original Motion Picture Score will be released separately featuring music composed and conducted by Joseph Trapanese, and produced by Bryan Lawson and Joseph Trapanese. Both collections will release worldwide on all digital and CD formats on January 8, 2016, with Straight Outta Compton: The Soundtrack being pressed as a 2-LP vinyl set.

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO Blu-ray:

DELETED SCENES
BECOMING N.W.A. – An in-depth look at how the producers and F. Gary Gray tackled the challenging task of casting these larger than life creators of gangster rap.
NEVER BEFORE SEEN PERFORMANCE

BLU-RAY and DVD BONUS FEATURES

N.W.A. THE ORIGINS – N.W.A. was a group that changed history. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and many others talk about their start in the 80’s and where it all began.
IMPACT – An exploration of the impact N.W.A. and specifically their breakout album that changed everything.
DIRECTOR’S JOURNEY – Utilizing a large amount of stand up interviews, we follow F. Gary Gray through the streets of Comptonas he brings together the story of the founders of gangsta rap.
THE STREETS: FILMING IN COMPTON – Take a look through the lens of Director F. Gary Gray as he perfected the authentic feeling of what it was like to walk the streets of Compton.
N.W.A PERFORMS IN DETROIT – We go behind the scenes of what this performance meant to the original members of N.W.A. as they saw their lyrics spark controversy against the corruption of the police in Los Angeles, as well as the thoughts of the actors performing the song on stage for the movie.
FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR/PRODUCER F. GARY GRAY

Website: http://uni.pictures/StraightOuttaCompton
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/SOCTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StraightOuttaComptonMovie
Twitter: twitter.com/ComptonMovie
Instagram: https://instagram.com/OuttaComptonMovie
Hashtag: #StraightOuttaCompton

Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how five young 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 dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.

FILMMAKERS:
Cast: O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown, Jr., Aldis Hodge, Paul Giamatti
Directed By: F. Gary Gray
Screenplay By: Jonathan Herman, Andrea Berloff
Story By: S. Leigh Savidge, Alan Wenkus, Andrea Berloff
Produced By: Ice Cube, Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, F. Gary Gray, Scott Bernstein, Dr. Dre
Executive Produced By: Will Packer, Adam Merims, David Engel, Bill Straus, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni,
Director of Photography: Matthew Libatique, ASC
Production Designer: Shane Valentino
Edited By: Billy Fox, Michael Tronick
Music By: Joseph Trapanese

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY:
Street Date: January 19, 2016
Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 61165837 (US) / 61165862 (CDN)
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 2.40:1
Rating: R for language throughout, strong sexuality/nudity, violence, and drug use
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish DTS Surround 5.1, French DTS Surround 5.1
Run Time: 2 hours, 27 minutes (theatrical) / 2 hours, 47 minutes (unrated director’s cut)

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD
Street Date: January 19, 2016
Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 61165838 (US)/61165861 (CDN)
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen, 2.40:1
Rating: R for language throughout, strong sexuality/nudity, violence, and drug use
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1/Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1
Run Time: 2 hours, 27 minutes

New Images And Clip From F. Gary Gray’s STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON; “Compton: A Soundtrack” Available August 7th

(Clockwise from top left) DJ YELLA, ICE CUBE, MC Ren, DR. DRE, COREY HAWKINS as Dr. Dre, ALDIS HODGE as MC Ren, JASON MITCHELL as Eazy-E, O’SHEA JACKSON, JR. as Ice Cube and NEIL BROWN, JR. as DJ Yella on the set of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.

Universal Pictures has released a new featurette, clip and photos for F. Gary Gray’s STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.

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 dangerous group, N.W.A.

(IMDB)

Come back later this week for my look at Sunday’s Hollywood press conference and hear what O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Ice Cube and F. Gary Gray had to say about the film.

Enter the St. Louis screening contest HERE.

The STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON behind-the-scenes creative team is led by director of photography Matthew Libatique (Black Swan, Iron Man 2), production designer Shane Valentino (Beginners, HBO’s The Normal Heart), editor Billy Fox (Hustle & Flow, Four Brothers), and costume designer Kelli Jones (TV’s Sons of Anarchy, Homefront).

The score is from composer Joseph Trapanese (Oblivion, The Raid 2).

(L to R) Producer DR. DRE, director/producer F. GARY GRAY and producer ICE CUBE

As with any movie so deeply rooted in sound, the filmmakers were faced with weighing their options when attempting to accurately capture the music. For director Gray and the other producers, it was perhaps even more difficult when it came to winnowing down the selections and capturing the singular sound of the N.W.A catalogue.

Ultimately, they wanted to celebrate the radical music of N.W.A, and in doing so it was essential that they nail the original tracks as realistically as possible. Would the actors who best fit the roles creatively have the musical chops to sound like the group?

Would music supervisor Jojo Villanueva (American Reunion, Black or White), along with music producer Harvey Mason, Jr. (The Help, Dreamgirls) need to digitally enhance cast vocals, or would the actors be able to perform and record their own vocals and lay them over the original tracks?

N.W.A’s vocals are all unique, and of course none of the team wanted to diminish their essence.

Early on, Villanueva and Mason ascertained that most of the cast, with some vocal coaching, would be able to pull off the demands of re-creating the majority of the “Straight Outta Compton” album, as well as music from Eazy-E, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre’s solo recordings. In some instances cast vocals would be blended with the real vocals to create a balanced hybrid.

Compton: A Soundtrack will be released on August 7th only on iTunes and Apple Music.

Pre-order HERE.

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON hits theaters on August 14

http://www.straightouttacompton.com/

Dr. Dre & Ice Cube Introduce STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Red Band Trailer; New Poster

Watch the new STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON red band trailer with an introduction from Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.

Plus check out the new poster and photos.

In the mid-1980s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation.

Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.

Starring O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job). The film also features Paul Giamatti as Jerry Heller who is best known for managing west coast rap super-group and gangster rap pioneers N.W.A and Eazy E. He, along with Eazy E., were co-Founders of Ruthless Records.

The drama is produced by original N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Matt Alvarez and Tomica Woods-Wright. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Gray.

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON hits theaters August 14.

Visit the official site: www.straightouttacompton.com

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First Look Photo From F. Gary Gray’s STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

Credit: Todd MacMillan/Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures has released this first look photo from STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. Count on this to be the sleeper hit of next summer!

Starring O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube’s son – thus the uncanny resemblance), Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job).

Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.

Universal Pictures will release STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON on Friday, August 14, 2015.

Pictured: (clockwise, from top left): producer ICE CUBE, director F. GARY GRAY, producer DR. DRE, COREY HAWKINS (Dr. Dre), JASON MITCHELL (Eazy-E) and O’SHEA JACKSON JR. (Ice Cube).

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STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON hits theaters on August 14

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