This documentary is surprisingly compelling to watch. I am not a big fan of heavy metal music but I am now a fan of Anvil. This film captures the dreams of two best friends who have rocked together in a heavy metal band since they were 14 years old. The Canadian band influenced metal bands including Slayer, Metallica, and Anthrax. Now in their 50’s, the friends work on their 13th heavy metal album trying to obtain the fame that has been out of reach for so long.

Friends Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and Robb Reiner’s group Anvil take on a European tour that goes bad. The film follows their daily lives in mundane jobs and their metal performances. If there was ever a more optimistic guy in the music biz than Lips they would be hard to find. Lips believes so much in Anvil’s success he keeps the band driving towards any and every gig they can get. If you’ve seen the movie “Spinal Tap” you’ll recognize how close the movie came to reality. And yeah, Anvil’s music really is good, they just need a break to make it big.

Keep your eye on filmmaker Sacha Gervasi, this documentary is excellent. Gervasi has talent and so does Anvil, a winning combination. Check out this superior documentary, you’ll be glad you did.

2009. Directed by Sacha Gervasi. Starring Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow, Robb Reiner, Slash and Lars Ulrich.

Rating: