The U.S. vs. John Lennon

This movie is both sad and inspiring. It offers proof that Lennon's wit and art are everlasting.

Within limits, this is an excellent documentary. Even fans who think they've seen everything will see things here they haven't seen.

While there is nothing particularly new in the film, it is a stirring celebration of a man of enormous talent, humor and humanity, laid waste by an assassin in New York in 1980.

One of the best-known cultural figures of the past half-century, leaves the movie with little to do but add its sometimes sanctimonious voice to the chorus of praise and admiration.

The thing that shines through most clearly, though, is Lennon himself. His widow allowed unprecedented access to the family archives, which along with ample newsreel footage bring us his presence once again.

There may not be a moral, but it's a fascinating human story, one that The U.S. vs. John Lennon only begins to tell.

There's precious little of Lennon's legendary crankiness on display in The U.S. Vs. John Lennon, a fawning hagiography that diligently shaves away the ex-Beatle's rough edges and knotty idiosyncrasies.