Summer movie season is upon us and one of the most highly anticipated films of the year is undoubtedly the Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me. After the success of Straight Outta Compton in 2015, the world has seemingly been salivating over the next chance to see the life story of a rap titan on the big screen. Now that time has almost arrived. Directed by Benny Boomm and starring Demetrius Shipp, Jr. in the lead role, the studio behind the film has slowly unfurled glimpses at the movie. The latest trailer is the best and most revealing look yet.
Critics of the movie will instantly — and rightfully — point out the fact that Shipp’s voice doesn’t resemble Pac’s much, but honestly who could do that voice justice? Beyond that, the trailer is stunning. Those familiar with Pac’s life will instantly recognize various events they’ve seen or heard about in songs, news clips or through folk lore. There’s his life-altering jail visit from Suge Knight, who is played by Dominic Santana and who casts a dominating presence in his brief screen time in the trailer. There’s an admonishment from his friend Jada Pinkett and one hell of a speech from his mother Afeni, played by The Walking Dead veteran Danai Gurira.
Perhaps most chilling is the infamous moments from Pac’s final night in Las Vegas, including his fight with Orlando Anderson and the faithful stop at the light on East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, just off the strip. It’s a lot to take in during a short two minute clip. The movie seems to have all of the most significant points of his public life accounted for. We’ll all see when All Eyez On Me hits theaters on June 17.
