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Chicago 10

This documentary should probably have more depth after four decades of reflection

By Matt Pais

Metromix
February 27, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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Remember the chaotic events and legal proceedings surrounding protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago? If you don't--or if you, like me, weren't born yet--director Brett Morgan mixes archived footage with rotoscoping (the animation seen in "A Scanner Darkly") to take you back and recreate the trial of protestors like Abbie Hoffman (voiced by Hank Azaria) and Jerry Rubin (Mark Ruffalo), who formed the "Yippies" and became more like celebrities than hippies.

Big question: Can the gimmicky animation and distractingly familiar voice work -- which also includes Nick Nolte, Liev Schreiber and Jeffery Wright -- add detail to this true story?

Skip it: Morgan seems to have no concept of or opinion about what the Yippies were doing or accomplishing, consequently accomplishing little of his own. Interviews with any still-living protestors or political commentators would be a lot better than an unconvincing animated replica of the trial.

Catch it: The movie offers songs from Rage Against the Machine, Beastie Boys and Eminem to make sure we understand that the people onscreen are angry. And it really sets the scene for the late '60s!

Bottom line: Want details of the society that inspired the protest or the system that put these men behind bars only to overturn several of the convictions? Look elsewhere. Aside from the obvious connections to modern-day anti-war feelings, "Chicago 10" is nothing but a reminder that these events happened, without any thoughts on the short-term or long-term causes, or impact of them.

Bonus: Chicago kids say that they like playing a violent game called "Cops and Demonstrators" in which no one wins. Finally, a children's game that never goes out of style!

What do you think of 'Chicago 10'? Email me: mpais@tribune.com