The U.s. Vs. John Lennon

John Lennon fans probably won't learn much they don't already know about their working-class hero's persecution by the U.S. government, but David Leaf and John Scheinfeld's tight, TV-ready documentary situates the violation of one U.S. resident's civil rights in the context of Nixon-era paranoia and warmongering, a mood the film suggests is once again upon us. Starting with Lennon's childhood as a young rebel, the film kicks into gear with an account of his first serious brush with controversy and all-American ire when, attempting to criticize The Beatles' popularity, Lennon announced that the band had become bigger than Jesus. Lennon's growing maturity and awareness...