U2: A Rock Crusade

U2: A Rock Crusade is subtitled “an unauthorized story on U2,” meaning there are no exclusive interviews and not a single note of the band's music. But the focus of this piece, which more closely resembles Entertainment Tonight-level reporting than serious objective journalism is on U2's—or more specifically lead singer Paul “Bono” Hewson's—genuine commitment to using money and influence to help alleviate poverty, save children, stop the spread of AIDS, boost aid to Third World countries, and other efforts designed to foster real change. Bono, described as “the face of fusion philanthropy,” comes off as smart, shrewd, humble, and informed—not to mention diplomatic (as opposed to the considerably more prickly Sir Bob Geldof). One actually believes him when he says (via archival footage), “I'm as sick of celebrities as the next man—and I am one. But it's currency, and I want to spend mine wisely.” Bono has done exactly that, using his star power to gain face time with various heads of state and other leaders, while helping to retire African nations' debt by some $40 billion. The documentary's praise is lavish, sometimes even fawning, but U2: A Rock Crusade does highlight a shining example of rock activist philanthropy. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (S. Graham)