jantriska-63546 This is a great little documentary. It works as an exercise in telling a story of the humans behind the act - very ordinary Canadian guys who happen to be in a viable but commercially unsuccessful metal band - as well as a story about an industry, the music industry. It's a fun, weird, wild ride and there's genuine humanity in it, no grandstanding or manipulation of the central characters. You meet the guys, get in their heads, see them go through various tragic-comedic struggles.In one sense, this may be the best recent "reality" documentary about a rock band. (Please be warned that there is a partial 'spoiler' in one of my last sentences...)Sometimes, failure is a more intriguing subject than a smashing success. The guys in Anvil may have inspired many other metal bands in the early 80s but, as the documentary goes on to show, utterly failed to harness the raw talent and energy in a direction of dollars and fame. Theirs is a compelling story because it contains this central mystery: why not Anvil? Why Metallica, Slayer, Judas Priest, Saxon, Anthrax, Accept...or, for that matter why Guns n'Roses, Alice in Chains or Motorhead? Why did all those other heavy metal and hard rock acts of the 80s and early 90s succeed so thoroughly while a seminal band like Anvil managed to fail so thoroughly? Anvil are the ultimate slackers, that is slackers in all other areas of their lives except for crafting their music. Musically, they are shown to have the chops, the skills, the energy, the will and the stage presence. Doesn't matter if they're playing to 10,000 screaming fans or to an audience of 50. They deliver. As for any other aspect, they are a continual slow-moving train wreck. It's almost as if the band remained a supremely important but low-key side project, for 32 years. That alone is an amazing thing.(Think of a professional quality, polished artistic gig you'd carry on for 32 years, without receiving adequate compensation....)The documentary offers some answers as to the 'why', such as unprofessional management, but it ultimately leaves other question marks. For instance, with this documentary being a kind of a ticket to newfound exposure and much-deserved fame for Anvil, how are the band members now doing? (We know they are playing better, bigger, properly paid gigs, and we know that Steve Kudlow and company have gotten overdue acclaim because this film hit such a note.) It almost deserves a follow-up because the story of Anvil didn't stop in 2008...no, it continues and there is an upward trajectory. Including the main fact that they finally could quit their day jobs! I highly recommend, even if you're not a fan of this kind of music.

Wuchak Released in 2009 and directed by Sacha Gervasi, "Anvil: The Story of Anvil" is a documentary chronicling the Toronto metal band Anvil, focusing on the friendship and aspirations of the two main band members, singer/guitarist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner. The band formed in the late 70s as Lips, but changed their name to Anvil upon obtaining a record deal in 1981. The mid-80s were a good time for the young band and they were expected to go on to great success, but it was not to be. Guitarist Dave Allison left the band in 1989 followed by bassist Ian Dickson in 1993. But Steve & Robb soldiered on with new members, releasing album after album up to the present (16 studio albums altogether, as of this writing). When the film was shot, Ivan Hurd was the second guitarist with Glenn "Glenn Five" Gyorffy on bass. Both are featured in the movie while original members Allison and Dickson are featured in the deleted scenes on the DVD (their scenes shouldn't have been cut IMHO).This is a great inspirational documentary whether you like Anvil and metal/hard rock or not. I really like the band, but never heard their stuff until 2009 when I rented the 1988 movie Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers," which features two songs from Anvil's 1987 album STRENGTH OF STEEL, the catchy "Straight Between the Eyes" and "Wild Eyes." One critic claimed that their 1982 album METAL ON METAL was their best-selling recording, but that's simply not true, STRENGTH OF STEEL was; and, although it's maligned by some fans, it's easily one of their top albums and not "too commercial," as some erroneously contend (check out songs like "Concrete Jungle," "Paper General," "Kiss of Death" and the aforementioned "Straight Between the Eyes").Anvil were just as good in their own unique way as any of the so-called Big Four, Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth. If you don't believe me, check out their top albums, like WORTH THE WEIGHT (the album being recorded in the movie, THIS IS THIRTEEN, is actually NOT one of their better recordings, song-wise, nor is the follow-up JUGGERNAUT OF JUSTICE). So why didn't Anvil AT LEAST attain the success of the secondary bands of the Big Four (i.e. Megadeth and Slayer)? Cheap production of their 80's albums may be one reason, although the production wasn't THAT bad for the era and certainly listenable; it was superior, for instance, to the production of albums by the contemporary Venom. Perhaps their location had something to do with their inability to reach the next level, but then how did Rush (another Toronto-based band) become so successful? (Then again, Rush switched from prog metal/rock to pop rock in the 80s). Bad management is likely another possibility. The reason is probably a combination of factors, including the band's sense of humor, Lips' outrageous antics and their sometimes goofy or juvenile lyrics (e.g. "Straight Between the Eyes"). In any case, this is a great documentary on the travails of trying to make it in a struggling rock/metal band. Their European tour shows that the lifestyle is difficult and takes dedication, to say the least: They miss trains, arrive late at a club in Prague because they were lost, play before small non-crowds, don't get paid and are offered goulash as a substitute. At a festival in Transylvania with a 10,000-seat capacity only 174 people show up. While there are certainly some high points on their tour it's mostly terrible. Steve, ever the optimist, responds, "Everything on the tour went drastically wrong. But at least there was a tour for it to go wrong on."I know of a local struggling metal band, by the way, that's currently touring Europe and I'm sure they're facing the exact same kinds of challenges.Anvil's family members are loyal, but think maybe they should throw in the towel. Yet Steve & Robb march forward in faith. A famous producer decides to produce their next album THIS IS THIRTEEN (2007), but it's going to cost thousands of dollars. Where are they going to get the money? And how are they going to release the album without a record contract? A Japanese promoter shows interest in having them play at a festival, but will more than a handful of fans show up?Then you have Steve and Robb's great friendship, which is seriously tested at times, like during the stress of recording their new album in England: Tempers flare, one quits in frustration and the other apologizes. Will they stay together? "Anvil: The Story of Anvil" is an entertaining lesson on faith in one's calling, perseverance, friendship, teamwork, glory/humility and the nature of true success. The film doesn't wear out its welcome at 80 minutes.GRADE: A-

afilmaday The questionable quote by Picasso 'Every child is born an artist, the problem is to remain one once they grow up' is important and poignant for artists making that transition from childhood to adulthood. How far will an artist go to keep their dreams alive? What happens if things don't go to plan? How will they support themselves? These are important questions every aspiring artist, musician, actor, writer, filmmaker, animator, designer etc. must consider. Today's feature is a prime example, this is Anvil! The Story of Anvil.Plot: Canadian metal group Anvil are considered the inventors of thrash metal, with many bands citing them as a direct influence, such as Megadeth, Slayer, Metallica and Anthrax, and were a big act in '84, playing alongside Scorpions, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi. Unfortunately were never met with the success that others had and director Sacha Gervasi, self-proclaimed 'number one Anvil fan of Britain', documents the struggling band as they approach their 50s still chasing their dreams.Metal fans everywhere will view the movies introductory interviews with Lemmy, Lars Ulrich, Slash and many other megastars as a brief subjective history lesson. It introduces Anvil's significance to the genre and heavily glorifies the band. It then dramatically juxtaposes with the celebration of lead vocalist Lips' 50th birthday with the band playing in a bar in Canada emphasising the lack of commercial success they should have had. This contrast sets the tone of being a true underdog story and we are then presented with their ups & downs throughout.This documentary is not unflinching or gritty realistic that one might expect, but director Sacha Gervasi brilliantly sets the tone to match that of the band; Lips' natural optimism, drummer Robb Reiner's endless patience and newcomers' support for their dreams. He edits the movie in such a fashion that one is only aware of it upon reflection; their first gig at Sweden Rock festival, Lips interacts with those whom he admires including Michael Schenker and Tommy Aldridge, which makes Anvil relatable and much like regular fans. At the same festival, two Japanese fans approach them, one of them labelled as an 'original Anvil fan', a foreshadowing to the climatic gig in Japan, where it appears they have a very large fan base. During their European tour, it presents the issues of their passionate but poor manager Tiziana Arrigoni who gives the band empty venues, un-paying owners and poor accommodations; the first gig in Sweden went perfect, second gig in Prague was troublesome, with a lawyer in attendance telling them they are being conned by their "shit manager", and final gig in Transylvania, being told 5,000 people are to show and only 174 do so. It was a 34 day tour, yet presented in a typical 3-Act story structure. This is not an attack or a negative comment, but Gervasi made these creative choices to give them necessary exposure and admiration the band rightfully deserves. If he had made it fully realistic, then the tone would contrast to the tone of the band and appear like an attack or putdown.It has moments of sadness when Lips is presented almost as a victim, with a clearly unsupportive but tolerant family, and this presentation of victimisation manipulates the spectator into siding with Anvil. The constant rejections from record labels and some hope with old producer Chris Tsangarides all give perfect plot points to structure this brilliant true-life underdog story.Anvil! The Story of Anvil is accessible to everyone for it does not rely on its audiences' prior knowledge to the genre. Anyone involved with the arts must watch this portrayal of artists struggling to get by and do what they love. Yes, it is manipulative for structural purposes but the message is loud; doing what you love involves plenty of sacrifice and will not always end how you wanted it. High recommendation for anyone wanting a great underdog documentary.

estebangonzalez10 ¨Everything on the tour went drastically wrong. But at least there was a tour for it to go wrong on.¨ That is the kind of attitude that Steve ¨Lips¨ Kudlow, lead singer of the Canadian cult metal band Anvil, has had during his entire life. Things have gone wrong with the band, but his positive attitude and his fight for achieving his dreams and goals are what have made the band stick together for more than 35 years. This documentary, directed by Sacha Gervasi (who also wrote The Terminal) is a truly emotional experience that tries to examine what went wrong with this promising band from the 80's which disappeared from the map all of a sudden. Anvil seemed to be heading to certain fame in the early 80's when they went on tour opening for Bon Jovi with their hit song ¨Metal on Metal.¨ Something went drastically wrong, due to poor managing, and the band was soon forgotten by almost everyone. Other bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax that did make it big time in the metal world claimed to be heavily influenced by Anvil, but somehow Lips' band faded away. Now more than 30 years later, Gervasi (a Canadian himself) decided to make a documentary as to the whereabouts of the members of the band. Lips and drummer Rob Reiner have stuck together during all these years playing at small shows and recording new albums, while at the same time working full time jobs in order to sustain their family. They have remained best friends since they were young teens and have played together during their entire lives despite facing great adversity. The inspiring and sometimes funny story makes for an unforgettable and emotional film.The documentary begins by introducing us to this promising Canadian band from the 80's that was opening for Bon Jovi and through their music influencing some of the biggest names in rock history. Despite the spectacular moment the band was living, they were the only one's not to ever make it mainstream in the Metal world. Something went wrong and they were soon forgotten, until 30 years later Gervasi decided to make a documentary about their life. Surprisingly the band was still together playing at small gigs and releasing their 13th LP. Lead singer Steve ¨Lips¨ Kudlow and drummer Rob Reiner now in their fifties are still rocking together and dreaming of one day being able to achieve their dream. They have families to maintain and other jobs to pay the bills, but they still live for the music. Out of nowhere they receive an offer from a European fan who wants them to go on tour all over Europe. They decide to follow their dream once again and begin touring in Europe alongside their new manager Tiziana Arrigoni (the fan that e-mailed them about the tour). Things don't turn out as expected and the band returns to Canada once again with their hopes down. Lips is too much of an optimist and a fighter to let go of his dream so he continues to pursue it alongside Robbie and together they decide to release a new CD and hopefully make it big time in the music industry that has turned its back on them time after time.Let me level with you guys: I'm not a heavy metal fan at all, I don't like it. I'm not a big music fan for that matter either, but Anvil is an excellent documentary worth watching because it tells a great story we can all identify with. These two buddies have dreamed of being rock stars all their lives, they were really close to making it once and they didn't, but that never stopped them from trying and pursuing their goals. Time hasn't been on their side, much less the music industry, but the passion these guys have for what they do make the journey worthwhile. Lips and Robbie are real life friends and as such they have their up and downs, they joke, they fight, they laugh, and they cry. There is a lot of emotion here, and these heavy metal guys aren't really as tough as one might have expected. They never quit, they keep on going, and that is a very rare quality to find nowadays. A few try, but when they fail they let go of their dreams and try to fit in, but these guys keep at it time after time. Anvil might be a documentary, but it's a much better buddy comedy then you will probably find from Hollywood these days. The movie is really worth a watch, it has so much emotion put into it, I really had a great time with this documentary.http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/