Upon viewing the trailer for All Eyez on Me I had mixed emotions of seeing a retelling of Tupac's life story. The previous film Tupac Resurrection had done such a wonderful job of presenting his story (in his own words nonetheless)that I saw a film about him doing more harm to the legends legacy than good. I was pleasantly surprised as All eyez on me delved into Tupac's revolutionary upbringing and background. I understand many aspects of the film were fictionalized for maximum dramatic effect and perhaps it was in poor taste to reopen some old wounds. That aside the lead actor portrayed Tupac beyond expectation. He had me believing in his portrayal of Tupac the entire film his humor, anger and intensity were all present. The film succeeds as a period film as well as the late 90's California Love time frame times earlier are captured to a tee.

I can recall the late great sportswriter Dick Schaap expressing sadness that children growing up at that time were completely unaware of who two sport legendary athlete Bo Jackson was. It was his feeling that such a talented and impressionable figure from our past should not be forgotten. When asking myself if this film was at all necessary I share his sentiment with regard to Tupac as he should also not be forgotten. It is for this reason that a film like this is still relevant as well as important.

Clearly attempting to capitalize off the success of Straight Outta Compton, All Eyez on Me is a decent biopic that glosses over and ignores what made Tupac a legend. Focusing mostly on his rap career, his rise to fame, his conflicts with Biggie and Bad Boy Records and his untimely and still unsolved murder, it glosses over his activism, his poetry and his captivating artistry. Tupac was an incredible human being who died too young and this film doesnt do enough justice to his legend

I just got done watching this movie on HBO and it had my attention through the entire thing. It was engaging, well acted and produced. I guess my expectations were not as high as other reviewers. I didn't expect angels to sing and have Tupac delivered unto me by Charlton Heston-like narration. I expected a biopic about a talented young artist who had a lot to offer who was killed when he was way too young. That's what this movie is about.

The movie doesn't romanticize Tupac and the lead actor looks and acts so much like him it's eerie. They show Tupac was in part responsible for sowing the seeds of his own death. I remember that time and there was an incredible amount of anger and hate in Rap music, the East Coast vs West Coast rivalry and with the gangs. When Tupac was killed a lot of people thought, well, that's the thug life. This movie shows that Tupac, despite his prison stay and public posturing, wasn't really about that life at all. He was an artist, who had incredible talent, sensitivity and range. This movie captures that.

I liked the movie and will watch it again. As for the haters I really don't know what they were expecting.