Review of Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008) by Cleopatra T — 02 Oct 2009

You don't have to like heavy metal to appreciate this documentary about seminal Canadian band Anvil (although it certainly doesn't hurt if you do). While singer/guitarist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner are genuinely endearing, much of the credit for this film goes to Sacha Gervasi's tender direction.

Gervasi worked as a roadie for Anvil years before writing the screenplay for "The Terminal". While Kudlow and Reiner's friendship is immediately apparent on screen, Gervasi's affection and respect for them is more sublime, revealing itself as it steadily yet silently encourages viewers to pull for a couple of over the hill rockers to finally make it big despite 30+ years of bad breaks.