Motivational speakers make a living by telling you how to better yourself. As long as you’re happy, nothing can stop you, etc. There are posters and self-help books all offering the same insight.
I prefer to watch a rock doc like Anvil: The Story of Anvil.
The flick came out a couple years back, but for whatever reason I never got around to watching it. I certainly heard plenty about it. I was told it was insightful, hilarious, heart-warming; and would “rock (my) face off.”
Oh yes...it’s all of those things.
The film sets itself up in 1984, at the Super Rock festival in Japan, featuring the likes of Scorpions, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi; who would all go on to sell million s of records and be huge names throughout the decade. Then there was Anvil. A Canadian band (from Waterloo, Ontario) who should’ve had the same story, but instead found obscurity.
Anvil’s music was the same hair metal that made others popular at the time; their live show stood up with the best of them, and they were well liked and admired amongst their rock brethren (Slash, Lars Ulrich, Lemmy and members of Slayer & Anthrax all make an appearance in the film). For whatever reason, though, they just never made it.
The film then picks up with the band, 20-some years later. They’re living and working in Ontario, still together as a band 30 years and 12 albums on. Steve “Lips” Kudlow & Robb Reiner, best friends since they were 14, are the core of the band and the film, which follows them in their bid to be rock stars as they book tours of Europe and attempt to record their 13th album. They’ve never given up the dream; which is a true testament to human spirit and perseverance.
Lips is a nice guy. He’s polite and happy, despite the years of continued unsuccess as a rocker. He drives a delivery truck, delivering food to schools and other institutions. Robb does construction work. On the side, they live the dream on stage at local bars, playing for friends and family. Their families are supportive, yet also feel the guys have wasted enough time and should move on.
It’s equally heartbreaking and inspiring watching this band try to make it. For 30 years they’ve stuck it out, doing it their way. They truly embody what rock ‘n roll is all about. They’ve never sold out and never want to. It’s all about the music for them. They just love playing and want to share their music with anyone who will listen. They show up at small clubs and large venues alike. A 10, 000 capacity room brings in 174 people. It’s frustrating. They don’t make any money doing what they love, but they soldier on. They fight; then reconcile.
The film is unscripted, and at times feels like an episode of the Trailer Park Boys crossed with Spinal Tap. Sometimes you want to laugh at their seemingly pathetic attempts (and you will), yet you also route for them. You feel sorry for them when they miss their trains and lose money because they show up late to gigs because they get lost in Prague. The one thing that holds true is that on stage, they’re alive, electric and in heaven. There could be 10 people or 10000; it doesn’t matter. They’re doing what they love and won’t let anything stand in their way. It’s inspiring.
4.5 Dented bumpers**
The film brought new found attention to the band and they’ve been touring and promoting their 13th album – the recording of which is depicted in the film. This May, they’ll release their 14th effort, Juggernaut of Justice, and will be playing Fredericton the day after its release. Check them out at Nicky Zee’s May 11.
**Crash’s Film Rating Legend:
5 DB’s -- Freaking Fantastic! (a rating that’s not easily attained.)
4–4.5 DB’s -- Great: It’s worth seeing again/owning.
3–3.5 DB’s -- Decent – Good (I’d watch it again on cable)
2–2.5 DB’s -- Meh; (possibly had potential, but I won’t watch it again)
1DB -- Awful; I want my money back.
Anything less is not even worth downloading illegally
-Crash-
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