Bad Brains A Band In DC Review

                                Bad Brains A Band In DC reminded me of Michael Rapaport's documentary Beats, Rhymes, and Life. This is because both follow a band around and document them but do not sugar coat anything. This is one of my favorite things to see in a documentary...when the filmmaker(s) has the nerve to put their subject in what is not the best light. I like this because it makes the film more interesting by giving the audience a more in depth look at the subject rather than just seeing their positive side.

                                 As someone who grew up in the DC area..Bad Brains have been one of my favorite bands. This is not only because they are world famous now but because all of their music reminds me of the best Ramones or Sex Pistols songs. Their music is truly that of what is soon to be legends, and their story is interesting as well.

                              The band consists of lead singer HR, guitar player Dr. Know, bass player Darryl Jenifer, and drum player Earl Hudson. The film starts with Jenifer yelling at HR, and HR just sitting there taking it. This is also towards the end of the film. I will not say why this happens, but it is fascinating. For those of you who do not know.. the band believes HR has schizophrenia or something along those lines and it shows in this film. From the first second to the last...the audience is truly disturbed by the way HR acts. No one can act as weird as he does and not have some serious disease.

                             Where the film does succeed is it shows this throughout the film without ever hitting the audience over the head with it. In fact...it finds some humor in this situation. As mean as that may sound..it makes the film entertaining without ever having to be depressing at the same time. This is a good thing as I can not fathom seeing a film about the Bad Brains that is truly depressing or downbeat. 

                              Bad Brains A Band In DC is an excellent documentary. It is fascinating throughout and it never lets up. There are no parts in which I could say the film slowed down or got boring. As an added bonus..the music is fantastic, too. 

(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is not rated but is equivalent to that of a PG-13 for adult themes and suggestive content)