Anvil: The Story of Anvil

Viewers might initially mistake the redundantly titled Anvil: The Story of Anvil for another heavy metal band mockumentary in the This Is Spinal Tap mode (can it really be an accident that the drummer is named Robb Reiner?). But filmmaker Sacha Gervasi's film is not only real, but also a surprisingly amusing and moving documentary. Anvil opens with footage from a 1984 concert, a time when Anvil seemed poised to rule the headbanger world, as attested to by appreciative comments from the likes of Guns N' Roses' Slash and Metallica's Lars Ulrich, among others. But flashing forward to 2006, we find original lead singer Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Reiner toiling away at workaday jobs in their native Toronto, taking small-time gigs at clubs with their newest guitarist and bassist (having gone through multiple players in each slot), while also putting together material for a 13th album, even though they lack a big-label contract. Most of the film follows Kudlow and Reiner as the 50-year-olds try to keep their dream of rock fame alive—a disastrous European tour arranged by an inept fan is followed by the poignant tale of the fate of the new album—while maintaining relatively normal home lives. Although the men suffer setback after setback, their friendship and dedication endure, and a last-minute invitation to a Japanese rock festival offers another chance at recognition. Against all odds, Anvil is a deeply affecting film (one moment hilarious, the next touching), and viewers needn't be headbangers in order to appreciate this revealing tribute to two guys who never gave up. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary (by director Sacha Gervasi, and band members Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner), an interview with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich (30 min.), deleted scenes (12 min.), and a “School Love” performance in Japan featuring Gervasi. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a winning music doc.] (F. Swietek)