MC5: A TRUE TESTIMONIAL
Directed by: David C. Thomas.
Produced by: Laurel Legler.
Written by: Laurel Legler & David C. Thomas.
Director of Photography: Anthony Allen.
Edited by: David C. Thomas.
Music by: The MC5.
Released by: Avatar.
Country of Origin: USA. 119 min. Not Rated.
With: The MC5.

This long-winded history of the working-class Detroit rock-and-roll cum San Francisco-style psychedelic band is, like last year’s Oscar-nominated The Weather Underground, a time capsule of the 1960s. Forerunners of punk, the MC5 were like a hippie Zelig; they performed during the chaotic 1968 Democratic Convention before being disbursed by the police, and became members of the radical White Panthers. Iggy and the Stooges were their baby brother band.

MC5 will appeal to fans of garage bands, since the film is, not surprisingly, a showcase for the band’s rambunctious music. Combining contemporary interviews, home movies, concert footage, and even U.S. government surveillance film, this documentary could easily be 15 minutes shorter, especially since the MC5’s story follows a familiar path - internal rivalries, diverging interests, drug abuse - with too many montages. Because the concert footage isn't in sync with the sound, the full energy and power of their live performances is not captured. And regarding the eyebrow-raising anthem, “Kick Out the Jams, M-----------,” the film almost becomes a Christopher Guest parody as drummist Dennis Thompson solemnly and emphatically states, “Behind the m----------- is peace, love and growth and equality.” Overall, MC5: A True Testimonial is recommended for those hooked on ‘60s nostalgia. Kent Turner
April 23, 2004