Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)

Anvil is probably the most important metal band you've never heard of. Formed by childhood friends guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner as the core, they've released thirteen albums since 1978 but have failed to gain mainstream recognition. In Anvil! The Story of Anvil, former roadie Sacha Gervasi documents the band's recent failed European tour, their experiences recording a new album, and the relationship between and backgrounds of Lips and Robb. It starts off with interviews of assorted metal legends like Slash, Lemmy, and Lars Ulrich all citing Anvil's influence and general awesomeness, while wondering why they never made it big.

Cut to Toronto, Canada and we meet the band in its present-day incarnation. Lips works for a school catering company but still performs at local clubs with Robb and two newer members. They both have families and money problems, but cling to their boyhood dreams of playing metal for hordes of adoring fans. They can claim ardent cult status, but their lack of a manager and general organization has hindered their touring and recording success. They're just looking for one big break to market their newest album, and perhaps have another chance in the limelight.

This movie is funny, engaging, rockin', and unexpectedly heartwarming. Lips and Robb are so personable and likable, imbued with a natural charm and naive hopefulness not usually associated with their brand of demonic ruckus (or "music" to some [just kidding I am actually ok with metal]). I really came to believe in these guys and invested myself in their successes and failures. Their friendship is touching, and I liked seeing input from their family members to help trace its development and how the band came to be. *Sniffle*... it's just beautiful, really!

I would have liked more investigation of the band's impact on other bands or on the genre itself, since it wasn't really discussed in detail, and a closer look at their family life or how their wives and children were affected by their lifestyle would have been nice too (it's touched upon, but again, not in detail). Generally though, Anvil! The Story of Anvil is a well-structured rock documentary demonstrating the many downs and infrequent ups of a truly dedicated metal band. It's entertaining even if you're not into the music, because it really works as more of a human interest story about two guys who resist giving up on their dream, and tirelessly hope that they'll be rewarded for their inability to stop ROCKING.

4/5