ANVIL - THE STORY OF ANVIL
Universal Pictures / Region 2 / Out NowReview by Catherine Balavage
Pre this film I had never heard of a Canadian band called Anvil. I thought maybe this was a spoof Ala Spinal Tap. Upon hitting play I found out the truth. Yet the Spinal Tap feeling did not go away. These guys are the living personification. Only smarter (thank god for them! )
Directed by former Anvil Roadie (and the father of Geri Halliwell's baby) Sasha Gervasi, Anvil tells a story about the band which was formed in 1978 by best friends Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and the coincidentally-named Robb Reiner (no relation to the director) In the 80's they had something of a heyday. They were also worshipped by Metallica and Lars Ulrich is interviewed profusely. As is Slash. There is footage of them playing to large audiences. Wearing bondage gear and playing their guitars with dildos.
I loved this movie. I did not think that I would but it was warm, intelligent, thought provoking. The members of Anvil, now all in their 50's constantly work towards their dream while dealing with bad jobs and worse luck. Trying to record their 13th album and embarking on a tour where they find themselves playing to miniscule audiences and find it hard to get paid.
I found it admirable how they decided what they wanted to do with their lives and never gave up. They held on to their dream. Although some of their family's were not so supportive.
This film is a must see. Documentary at it's best.
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