Anvil! The Story of Anvil is about dedication. Two guys that are passionate about heavy metal and rockin’ until they can’t rock anymore. This documentary is awesome to watch. To see these two guys who met when they were 14 years old and are still together now in their 50s is amazing. Still continuing to chase their dream and get another taste at fame. It’s inspiring.
The two guys I’m talking about are Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner. Kudlow is the front man/singer and his best friend Reiner is the drummer. Their band, Anvil, made what is called “the heaviest metal album ever” in 1982 called Metal On Metal. This album inspired future bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. These bands sold millions of albums, but Anvil was not so lucky.
Kudlow and Reiner have families and real jobs because their band hardly gets paid. You see their struggles with each other and themselves, but also the belief that they will be at the top and performing in front of thousands and thousands of fans again. Even their families are behind them, but as the years go by, their hope is lost.
But that can never be said about Kudlow. Even Reiner gets frustrated and questions why he is still doing this. But Kudlow never does. He stays optimistic and committed the whole way through. I’m not saying he never gets stressed or pissed, but he never gives up. Kudlow and Reiner are dedicated to their craft, but they are just looking for a break.
Director Sacha Gervasi‘s rock doc says a lot about people and their dreams. Sure the focus is on a rock band, but everyone could learn a lesson from this. Everyone has a dream no matter how old are you. And just because you may be 50 or so doesn’t mean you can’t still chase it. These guys believe in themselves so much, and you can’t help to either. You find yourself rooting for them and hope they find success. Even if you don’t like their type of music. It’s not the point. You will like these two guys.
Anvil! is funny, emotional, and inspiring. One of the best, if not the best, documentary I have seen this year. It covers so much about what it takes to live the life you want to live, but the sacrifices you must make. Kudlow and Reiner want fame and success, but most of all they want to perform. They live for it. And they won’t quit until they reach their goal or die trying. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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