AGAINST ALL ENEMIES

(director/writer: Charlie Sadoff; screenwriters: Kenneth Harbaugh, Sebastian Junger; cinematographer: Michael Flanagan; editor: Nick Clark; music: Steph Kowal, Seowon Hyun; cast: Peter Coyote (Narrator), Michael Breen, Eric “General E” Braden, Kristofer Goldsmith, Dr. Kathleen Belew, Jason Crow, Mikie Sherrill, Seth Moulton, Michael Washington, Randy Ireland, Ali Soufan, Simon Clark, Stanley McChrystal, Stewart Rhodes, Denver Riggleman, Esosa Osa, Bill Kristol; Runtime: 106; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Charlie Sadoff, Kenneth Harbaugh, Sebastian Junger; Mighty Pictures; 2023)

“Preaches to the choir.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The documentary directed by first-timer Charlie Sadoff and co-written by Sadoff, Kenneth Harbaugh, and Sebastian Junger, through its various talking heads warns us of a growing anger in our divisive country in the way many of the modern-day soldiers and veterans in the military have joined extreme right-wing groups in trying to bring down American democracy and replace it with fascism. It’s alarming that such a large percentage of the WH rioters were veterans.

The film preaches to the choir, in its recollection of the insurrection on the WH on January 6th as something to be concerned about as a real danger to the country.

No good solutions are offered on how to handle these toxic forces. Instead the film tells us of America’s past hate groups like the KKK and compares them with current exposed hate groups like The Proud Boys, 3 Percenters and Oath Keepers.

Sadoff’s documentary breaks down the negativity of these vile MAGA inspired groups and leaves us with the impression these groups will be around for awhile.
 
The bleak film tells us the least we can do is to be aware of these radicalized political movements and to expose their neo-Nazi organizations for what they are–enemies of the American people. It also warns us another civil war may be just around the corner.
 
It played at the Tribeca Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 3/16/2024  GRADE: B-