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Rap biopic really rocks

Like N.W.A.'s music, "Straight Outta Compton" (Universal) is a gritty, graphic tale of the hard-knock life in Compton, Calif., in the 1980s. The compelling if overlong movie provides insights into rap, band dynamics and the music business. O'Shea Jackson Jr. is terrific portraying his real-life father, Ice Cube, who was a co-producer of the film along with Dr. Dre. The powerful message of the movie and the music probably helped N.W.A. get its overdue election to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The DVD includes a director's cut, which is 20 minutes longer, and interviews with N.W.A.'s members about the group's cultural impact and more.

Jon Bream