Snake Outta Compton (2018) offers an intelligent script, combining the ridiculous with ridicule and subtle parody. However, despite the participation of five credited writers, it feels under-written. The producers did a reasonable job, working with an evidently limited budget. The special effects are rudimentary, but not laughably amateurish. The actors all seem invested in their roles. Some of the humor is sophisticated, particularly a dream sequence involving Rutherford B. Hayes and two deceased rappers.
It's possible to produce memorable, critically respected, financially successful films on modest budgets. Movies that come to mind include Kenny (2006), Dark Star (1974), Clerks (1994), Locke (2013) and Dinner Rush (2000), although not all were equally successful on each criterion. If one strips away all the elements of blockbusters that aren't available on shoestring budgets, such as A-list talent, huge casts of Bollywood dancers, car chases through throngs of tourists at exotic locations, armies of animation artists, specially constructed cities, 70mm Panavision cameras, etc., the one critical element is a brilliant script. SOC has a good script, but it's not good enough to overcome the production limitations, even with heartfelt performances and competent editing and production values.
