A fantastic film. I sat down to watch it fully expecting to be guffawing with laughter as I mocked the pathetic antics of the joke failed metal band... I was so wrong. That isn't to say there weren't genuinely laugh out loud moments all through the movie, but the guys in the band come across as so likable, and the innocent passion with which they are following their dream is so poignant, your heart just goes out to them. Their story is told simply and honestly, and I defy anyone not to be rooting for Anvil by the end of the film. Hell, I almost had a tear up when they came on stage near the end (and I'm tough as nails, by the way).
If you want to laugh at the Spinal Tap-esquire antics of a failing heavy metal band, I recommend 'Metallica - Some Kind of Monster',in which my former idols generally act like a bunch of tits all the way through. If you want to laugh and cry to a bittersweet tale of human spirit that is simultaneously heartwarming and heartrending, then 'Anvil' is for you. A bunch of -let's face it- ageing nobodies display characters worthy of rock legends. There are parallels with another great film 'The Wrestler', as both are tales of broken dreams and camaraderie.
Maybe Anvil are pathetic, but in the true sense of the word 'causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness'. I truly hope they found some of the success and recognition they have been craving for 30 odd years on the back of this film.
If you want to laugh at the Spinal Tap-esquire antics of a failing heavy metal band, I recommend 'Metallica - Some Kind of Monster',in which my former idols generally act like a bunch of tits all the way through. If you want to laugh and cry to a bittersweet tale of human spirit that is simultaneously heartwarming and heartrending, then 'Anvil' is for you. A bunch of -let's face it- ageing nobodies display characters worthy of rock legends. There are parallels with another great film 'The Wrestler', as both are tales of broken dreams and camaraderie.
Maybe Anvil are pathetic, but in the true sense of the word 'causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness'. I truly hope they found some of the success and recognition they have been craving for 30 odd years on the back of this film.