I am not a Juggalo. I don't think I have heard an ICP song prior to watching this movie. I was only vaguely aware of the group existing because of the legal story that the film is centered around. On the cultural front the film didn't do much to endear me to the ICP's body of work. They truly are a terrible rap duo. However, the duo and their fans seem like good bros and people. This film captures the subculture in a through and entertaining way; a bit like a mockumentary this present a bunch of colorful and fun characters to follow around. Best of all behind the make-up and the Juggalo-ness everyone seems like real people even if you know weird.
On the legal side of story I found the film entirely convincing that the FBI is simply wrong to label Juggalos as a gang. This is true even after I looked into the matter from other sources. The label is a byproduct of the FBI's far too expansive definition of gang and from actual gangs coopting Juggalo iconography, i.e. Hatchet man. It would be like labeling Cubs fans a gang just because a Chicago gang all wore Cubs stuff. (This is something that happens with sports teams a lot apparently)
I am sure Juggalos will like the film. But I think anyone concerned with 1st amendment issues and gov't overreach will like this film.
The film will not win ICP any new fans.
The United States of Insanity
2021
Biography / Documentary / Music
The United States of Insanity
2021
Biography / Documentary / Music
Keywords: insane clown posse
Plot summary
The story of controversial rap duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP),their fans, and their ongoing struggle with the FBI in a landmark case that may be a bellwether of change for First Amendment rights in America.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
The film convinced me that the FBI needs a better definition of 'gang'
Too long, too repetitive..
Too long, too repetitive.. and it didn't end the way I expected. To me, the climax, which in all fairness they couldn't control, wasn't there. They tried for a victorious ending, but it didn't match the hype they had set up, so it was anticlimactic. For that reason, the rest of the movie didn't hold up. This should have been 20-30 minutes shorter. 1.40 hours was too long. Once I got to know who they were they kept stretching that part longer and longer. There wasn't enough drama to justify the length. This should have been done as a vice short subject film, not a feature-length film.
Not enough about their battle against the FBI
While this is a decent look at a band's struggle to fight the FBI calling its fans gang members, it had a lot more of the Insane Clown Posse's backstories than I would have thought. This is much more of a look at the entire history of ICP than it is about their lawsuits to have their fans taken off the gang list. If you are into the Clowns or would like to know more about them, this is an interesting movie. If you already know a lot about J and 2 Dope, then you won't find much to add to your knowledge base.