"Anvil! The True Story of Anvil" - movie review

Anvil are the subject of a new documentary that's currently making the film-festival rounds... this flick sounds like it should be a ton of fun. Anvil is a great band (I was lucky enough to see'em once) and it's a shame that they were so overlooked/unlucky and never got a fair shot.

Here's a review of the film from the L.A. Times

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Thundering Anvil makes some noise

By John Horn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

PARK CITY, Utah -- The lead singer wears a dog collar and plays his guitar with a sex toy. One of their first songs, "Thumb Hang," is about the Spanish inquisition. And the amplifier knob actually goes to 11.

In so many ways, the heavy metal band Anvil is indeed Spinal Tap (did we mention the drummer's name is Robb Reiner?).

But "Anvil! The True Story of Anvil," tracing the Canadian band's resolute determination in the face of countless setbacks, isn't really a rock 'n' roll comedy. Instead, this documentary, which premieres today at the Sundance Film Festival, is an alternatively moving and hilarious love story -- a tale of two people hopelessly devoted to playing heavy metal music.

Guitarist Steve "Lips" Kudlow met drummer Reiner in 1973, and four years later they formed Anvil. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a gold rush of hard-core rockers: Scorpions, Iron Maiden, Whitesnake, Metallica, Anthrax and Motorhead among them. With its outrageous stage antics and pulsing rhythms, Anvil was right in the mix too, its album "Metal on Metal" envied by the band's head-banging brethren.

As a teen living in London, screenwriter Sacha Gervasi saw one of Anvil's first British gigs. "I was blown away," he recalls. "It was heavy music with really funny entertainment."
After meeting the band at an after-concert party, Gervasi showed Lips and Reiner around London the next day and soon thereafter was invited to be a roadie for Anvil's Canadian tour. "I would sit behind the drum kit every night, watch Robb play, and he taught me how to be a drummer," says Gervasi, who would later play with (and drop out of) the band that became Bush.

Gervasi went to college, his musical tastes evolved and he eventually came to Hollywood (where he co-wrote Steven Spielberg's "The Terminal"). But he never forgot the band -- "I wondered what happened to my old friends" -- so in the summer of 2005 he looked them up. Anvil had never made it -- yet nearly three decades after they first joined forces, Lips and Reiner were still making music, trying to sell a few albums here and get a live gig there. "I thought they had split up," Gervasi says. "But I found out they were still going."

Lips was working at a food service company, Reiner in construction. They were in their 50s, their hair thinning, but their passion for music hadn't dimmed over the years. Having seen all of their contemporaries make it, Lips and Reiner weren't bitter -- they were hungry. "I just kind of felt, 'I think there's a movie here,' " Gervasi says.

So Gervasi hit the road with Anvil again, collecting 300 hours of footage as the band launched a tour of Eastern Europe.

Tiziana, a girlfriend of the band's guitarist Ivan Hurd, organizes the tour, but her organizational skills are indiscernible: Train tickets aren't bought, plane schedules are mixed up and the band doesn't get paid. Ever. What is supposed to be the tour's highlight -- an appearance at the Monsters of Transylvania rock festival in front of thousands of fans -- turns instead into a cheerless appearance in front of 174 fans.

"It's been nothing but a nightmare," Lips says at one point. As the tour unravels, so does Lips and Reiner's relationship. But Lips bears no visible ill will. "I'm grateful," he says. "I don't regret a minute of it."

Back in Canada, the band tries to record another album, "This Is Thirteen," which will cost about $20,000 that neither Lips nor Reiner has. Having tried the patience of family and friends, Lips and Reiner must decide if it's finally time to call it quits or try one last time. "I need to realize this," Reiner says, "while I can." Says Lips: "I look at this particular chapter as my last chance."

Gervasi, who had never directed a movie, says he was unprepared for what he would eventually capture and how Anvil's story would unfold so much like "This Is Spinal Tap."

"On the second day of filming, my cameraman pulled me aside and said, 'Listen, you don't have to tell the rest of the crew, but you have to tell me: Are these guys actors?' "

Gervasi says that while the movie is doubtlessly funny, it's also a serious testament to believing in a dream. "Their dedication and integrity and commitment is without parallel," the director says.

In an interview, Lips says Gervasi's film is strangely affecting, especially when he sees rockers such as Motorhead's Lemmy, Guns N' Roses' Slash and Metallica's Lars Ulrich offer glowing Anvil testimonials. "To me, it's a little bit like I passed away and everybody celebrated what I did -- but I get to witness it," Lips says. "It makes me feel great that I am getting the biggest respect from the biggest names in the business."

Gervasi brings "Anvil" to Park City not only in search of a theatrical distributor but also with the hope that his movie might somehow help Anvil realize its elusive wish for rock 'n' roll fame. "We've made this movie, but no one has seen it, so nothing has changed for Anvil," Gervasi says. "The happy ending will be decided by the audience, and I'm hoping that even if people don't like their music, they will go on their website and buy their record."

Lips wasn't even sure he should pack his guitar for Park City, but he's hoping there's at least one more big live show ahead. "The centerpiece of it all is getting to play live -- that's what it's all about," he says. "There's a reason actors like to do Broadway; it's instant gratification. And nothing surpasses that."

Hope that gets released on DVD. Would like to see it.

ult

it will be released.

This one will be mine!!!!
Great band

I saw a trailer of this that was about 28 mins long it was very good!

Wargod48

NP: Heart Of Metal Compilation

According to the official "Anvil: The Story of Anvil!" movie site ( http://www.anvilmovie.com ), the flick will be getting a wider theatrical release (outside of the art/festival circuit) in April of '09.

There's also a book tied in to the movie (written by Lips & Robb Reiner) on the way that will feature a foreword written by Slash of GNR fame!

I am looking forward to seeing this movie, it has gotten rave reviewers from movie critics who would rather go thru a root canal than listen to heavy metal, it has been described as funny, sad and believe it or not, inspiring.

Here is a movie review from one of those snubby critics:

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=review&id=2471&reviewid=VE1117935961&cs=1

manny wrote:

I am looking forward to seeing this movie, it has gotten rave reviewers from movie critics who would rather go thru a root canal than listen to heavy metal, it has been described as funny, sad and believe it or not, inspiring.

Yea, nearly every review I've read of the movie has been a rave. It went over great guns at the Sundance Festival last year and has been apparently packin'em in on the art-house circuit. I definitely wanna see the movie, if not in theatre, then definitely when it comes to DVD.

Metallica should call these guys up and offer them the opening slot on the tour.

New trailer for the U.K. release of "Anvil!"

Fat Freddy wrote:

New trailer for the U.K. release of "Anvil!"

That looks really good. Sad, but really good.

Looks really good and these guys deserved better, but I admire them for keeping the dream alive and still playing the music they love commerical considerations be damned, I hope this movie helps make these guys rich.

Well, it's on now my NetFlix list whenever that release happens...

Cant wait as ill get this.

These guys were always underrated, I look forward to seeing this movie.

I would love for this movie to make Anvil into mainstream stars. They never got their due back in the day. And cool that the movie seems to treat them with respect.

You know a movie is going to be good when the trailer gets you choked up...

I agree even the trailer had me choked up and again I admire these guys, they don't seem bitter or angry and they still believe they have a shot a brass ring, very cool guys and I take my hat to those two guys.

Chit chat with Lips and Robb Reiner about the "Anvil!" book and movie...

You can read the first 39 pages (!) of the "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" book here....

http://www.anvilbook.co.uk/anvilextract.asp

sweet, can't wait to see it

Here is some news about the Anvil movie:


VH1 ACQUIRES “ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL”

Network To Create Multi-Platform Promotional Campaign In Support Of April 10, 2009 Theatrical Release

NEW YORK, NY (March 11, 2009) -- VH1 has acquired the exclusive rights for the critically acclaimed documentary "Anvil! The Story of Anvil.” VH1 will handle the television and DVD release and distribute the film theatrically in association with Abramorama. The world television premiere on VH1 this summer and the subsequent DVD release of the film follow a network-wide, multi-platform promotional campaign supporting the theatrical film release April 10, 2009 in New York and Los Angeles followed by a national roll-out.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is the directorial debut of screenwriter Sacha Gervasi (“The Terminal”) and was produced by Rebecca Yeldham (“The Kite Runner” and “The Motorcycle Diaries”). The film follows Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner and their band, Anvil, which released one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982’s Metal on Metal. The album influenced an entire musical generation of rock bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who all went on to sell millions of records. Anvil, on the other hand, took a different path—straight to obscurity. The film is both entertaining and touching as it follows their last-ditch quest for the fame and fortune that has been so elusive to them. “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is a timeless tale of survival and the unadulterated passion it takes to follow your dream, year after year.

Ironically, life is now looking up for the band. After years of playing to empty bars and working dead end jobs, the band is beginning to find the success that evaded them for decades. They have recently been signed by manager Rick Sales (Slayer), US agent Scott Sokol (Megadeth, Heaven and Hell), and UK agent Steve Strange (Coldplay). The band is being welcomed with open arms everywhere they go. Their latest fan, Sarah Brown (wife of the Prime Minister), attended the red carpet premiere of the film in the UK. Now with a U.S. Tour, the support of VH1 and VH1 Classic, a feature documentary, and an immeasurable amount of will and determination, the band is picking up where they left off twenty five years ago.

“When I was sixteen years old Anvil was my favorite band in the world. I couldn’t believe it when I met Lips and Robb in London and they invited me to come out on the road with them. Running away to join the rock and roll circus was, of course, an experience I never forgot. When I met the band again twenty years later I was completely awed and inspired to discover that they simply refused to give up on the dream they had had as kids. It makes me intensely happy and proud to see the band finally getting the recognition they so richly deserve. Anvil rocks!” said Sacha Gervasi, director of the film.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It went on to win the Audience Awards at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival, 2008 Sydney Film Festival, and 2009 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, as well as the Best Documentary Feature Awards at 2008 Galway Film Fleadh, 2008 Calgary Film Festival, 2008 Edmonton Film Festival, and 2009 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the Truer Than Fiction Award at the 2009 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The film was released in the UK to critical acclaim on February 20, 2009.

“This film is so much more than a documentary about the roots of metal. It's a story about the power of perseverance and friendship and the passion that drives them,” said Tom Calderone, President of VH1. “ ‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ has a huge heart and will resonate with all of our viewers. This is the type of project that drew me into the VH1 fold and makes me especially proud to work here.”

Praised as “The best documentary I’ve seen in years,” by documentarian Michael Moore, the London Times calls it “Possibly the greatest film yet made about rock and roll;” “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” contains appearances by an array of heavy metal icons, including Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, former member of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, and Slayer’s Tom Araya, among others.

"Sacha knew from the beginning that this was not just a "metal" film. In my first encounter with ANVIL, it was impossible not to be moved by their loyalty, determination and mad, blind faith. How sweet it is to see them now ride this tide of success - not just to be heard, finally - but to be heralded for their humbling tenacity and devotion to their art and to each other," said producer Rebecca Yeldham.

VH1 has thrown the full support of the network behind Anvil, the band’s music and the film on all platforms. The timing of this support from not only VH1 but from the music and film industry coincides with the realization of Anvil’s lifelong dream to “make it.”

Timed to the release of the film in April, VH1 Classic will serve as the exclusive presenter for the band’s U.S. tour. “VH1 Classic Presents: The Anvil Experience” will cover 7 markets and upcoming dates, venues and ticket information will be available immediately on the film’s website anvilmovie.com and vh1classic.com. At each tour stop, the film will be played immediately followed by a short performance by the band.

Tour Dates:

· April 6 – NY, NY – Blender Theater
· April 12 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
· April 14 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
· April 16 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
· April 17 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
· April 21 – Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
· April 22 – Chicago, IL - Metro

Additional elements include:

In an unprecedented move, for the first time ever the network will run the full length movie trailer of the film like a music video throughout all VH1 video hours – morning, overnights, on VH1 Classic and on vh1.com and vh1classic.com.
· In the weeks leading up to the theatrical release, VH1 will be creating a VH1 News package that will include a new interview with Lips and Robb.

· On vh1.com and vh1classic.com, Robb and Lips will be featured on an episode of the original series “My Playlist” as they discuss their influences and favorite Classic Rock songs.

· VH1 Classic will air an episode of its original talk show “That Metal Show” with Robb and Lips and will center on Anvil’s career, music, upcoming tour and the film. This episode will run timed to the film’s April theatrical release and will then repeat promoting the film’s television premiere on VH1 and the film’s availability on DVD.

The DVD release and world television premiere of the film on VH1 and VH1 Classic this summer will be supported by significant on-air promos on VH1 and VH1 Classic and dedicated online promotion on VH1.com. Each telecast will include a customized on-screen graphic supporting the DVD release which will be made available to fans at a later date yet to be announced. Promotional excerpt clips of the film will also be supported and streamed on FVOD, online and wireless.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is directed by Sacha Gervasi and produced by Rebecca Yeldham, with cinematography by Chris Soos, editing by Jeff Renfroe and Andrew Dickler, and music supervision by Dana Sano.

Damn, that's pretty cool. Looks like Anvil's ship has finally come in.

With VH1 on board, maybe Lips will be the next "Rock Of Love" guy.

Fat Freddy wrote:

Damn, that's pretty cool. Looks like Anvil's ship has finally come in.

With VH1 on board, maybe Lips will be the next "Rock Of Love" guy.

I hope these guys rack in a ton of cash.

manny wrote:

I hope these guys rack in a ton of cash.

If anybody deserves it, it's those guys...

Maybe the same director can do a documentary on Raven next. They've always been in kinda the same boat as Anvil.