ALL EYEZ ON ME (2017) - REVIEW

Tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. 

All Eyez on Me (2017)

R | 2h 20min | Biography, Drama, Music | 16 June 2017 (USA)   

Director:

Benny Boom

Writers:

Jeremy Haft, Eddie Gonzalez | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Gurira, Kat Graham

Tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world's most recognized and influential voices before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur's raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing. ALL EYEZ ON ME stars Kat Graham, Lauren Cohan, Hill Harper, Jamal Woolard, Danai Gurira and Demetrius Shipp Jr. as Tupac Shakur.  

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 June 2017 (USA) See more »

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Morgan Creek Productions, Program Pictures

“Legends never die.”

Benny Boom (Next Day Air, 48 Hours to Live), directs an all star cast in All Eyez on Me, delivering an exceptional film about the life of rapper, actor, and activist Tupac Shakur (played by  the talented Demetrius Shipp Jr.). The film features elements of hip-hop music and provides behind the scenes analysis deciphering the hidden messages behind Tupac’s lyrics, including controversial songs such as ‘Brenda’s got a baby.’

 ‘Thug life’ has never been a more accurate summary as the film depicts Tupac’s struggle from early days in New York, emerging on the stage, to selling platinum records and charting number one hits, until his tragic death, at the age of twenty-five. Tupac’s empowering speeches on issues surrounding race, with him being described as a revolutionist and an influential hero, adds to his success in informing white America of the harshness and grim consequences that individuals faced because of race-related issues. 

The film displays Tupac’s rawness as his powerful music portrays America as ‘the biggest gang there is’. Themes that play a crucial role in representing Tupac’s life, include friendship and how famous artists strengthen their ties to each other by looking after each other, especially in the music industry. More so, the film just as much states that if you wrong the people who look after you there will be consequences as well. Dominic L. Santana stars as Suge Knight, who manages Tupac’s music success, and Jamal Woolard plays rap legend Biggie Smalls. Not only do the actors mimic famous rappers’ personalities, but they also look a lot like what the original all star legends did. Tupac also states during the film, “If they kill me, I want the people to have every drop, to know the real story”.

All Eyez On Me illustrates that music is something more and that it speaks to people in various ways. One of these concepts which Tupac marks in his music is that of struggles and gang communities. Tupac reminds his viewers, “A shooting can happen anytime and anywhere”. Just as some are proud of his success, there are people who are jealous and would do anything to eliminate Tupac from the competition. The film reminds viewers of how some individuals were out to ruin Tupac’s image and that he was constantly reminded of the “bullseye on his back” because of race.

The media focusing on Tupac’s private life and the American Vice President disagreeing with what Tupac wanted his music to represent, provided Tupac with “all the tools to destroy himself”. This is a must-see film which documents the talented cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.

But we have to point out some really negative points in that movie, which starts with the fact, that it is too long. We have a movie which is about 140 minutes, 20 or maybe even 30 minutes would have been better.

The emotional parts of Demetriusare not emotional, he is doing too many time the same face and especially in those moments when it comes up to sadness and feelings he is not good. It is not almost the same problem, you have an outstanding actor, he is good in the general performance, but it comes up to catch the audience, almost 50% of the people get lost and this is happening here, I did not like that. Demetrius motheris the opposite of him, wonderful, heart touching and better. This kills that bio-pic.

This all leads to rating of

6/10 genre

5/10 overall

but still good for genre fans. Enjoy this special bio drama from June 16 on in the cinemas.

Thanks for reading and have fun watching movies.