Review of Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008) by Ana B — 19 Mar 2012

Documental about the life and work of the two founding members of the Canadian metal band âAnvilâ? a talented group that never really took off. After a short spell where they played alongside Scorpions and White Snake their good star ended, due mainly to poor management, and they were relegated to play for a couple of hundred people in small venues. The movie follows their endeavours in their last attempt to gain fame and recognition.

On the whole this is the tale of two friends trying to get a break in the music world, a very emotional journey when you think they are in their early 50s and work delivering food to schools and sandblasting. In the film we get to know their worried families, their unsuccessful last tour and their personal friendship stretch to its limits. The movie shows us the recording of his latest album âThis is thirteenâ? made with money borrowed from one close relative.

This is the work of a fan, the director, Sacha Gervasi is a follower and a friend of the group and it shows in the attention he is put in displaying their feelings of hope and failure. He gave them the opportunity to tell their story not with music but with words and it is the more touching because it is real life and everybody can relate to it.