100 minutes
Directed by: Robert Patton-Spruill
East Coast Premiere

Presented by Newbury Comics

Screening Supported by the Roxbury Film Festival

New England Focus Film presented by LEF Foundation


Public Enemy is one of the most influential hip-hop groups ever to rock a microphone. For the past 25 years, Chuck D has utilized his booming baritone to snap his listeners to attention, S1W-style. Their music challenged and inspired people to change, not only what they listen to but how they live their lives. Public Enemy possessed a clear message: the revolution was not on its way; it was already here and unstoppable. At a time when hip-hop was regarded as a fad and rhymes existed only to get crowds waving their hands in the air, Public Enemy set their sights higher. Chuck D's politically charged message revolutionized music as well as mindshare. With songs like "Can't Truss It" and "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos", Public Enemy woke us from a subservient daze.

This entertaining documentary from Boston filmmaker Robert Patton-Spruill appeals to casual and hardcore fans alike. The film exposes the dynamic relationship between front man Chuck D and hype man Flavor Flav who, long before he was a reality TV icon, served as the flamboyant, versatile, and often hypocritical member of a group that demanded real change. We are reminded that he was not only a talented and versatile musician, but also an integral part of communicating the message of Public Enemy's music. Often overlooked as mere backup dancers, Professor Griff and the members of S1W are given appropriate regard as the vital militant faction of the group. Some of most important names in the industry-including the Beastie Boys, Talib Kweli, Henry Rollins, Tom Morello, and Ice-T-lavish praise on Public Enemy as one of the greatest influences in music. While the candid backstage moments provide a rare look into what made Public Enemy work, however, it's the musical performances staggered throughout the film that drive home every accolade.

-Mark Anastasio