BROTHERS IN ARMS

[] (Two stars)

THOUGH it doesn’t mention the current controversy over ads attacking John Kerry’s war record, “Brothers in Arms,” a new documentary on Kerry in Vietnam that is being rushed into theaters today, is certainly timely – if little more than an infomercial for the candidate.

Director Paul Alexander, who has written books on Kerry and on Sen. John McCain, offers interviews with Kerry and four of the men on the last Swift boat he commanded in the Mekong Delta in early 1969.

The men talk about Vietnam – including a Viet Cong attack for which Kerry, whom they clearly idolize, received a citation for bravery – and their growing disenchantment with the war. Two of them also discuss their continued struggle with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

“Brothers in Arms,” which ends with the beaming former crew members campaigning with Kerry, is basically a longer, less slick version of the official Kerry profile unveiled at the Democratic National Convention.

Running time: 68 minutes. Not rated (profanity). At the Cinema Village, West 12th Street between Fifth Avenue and University Place (also on DVD on Sept. 7).