Review of Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004) by Nathan E — 09 Jan 2008

I so totally did not want to see this initially. Ever since the Napster fiasco, I have had some sort of vendetta against Metallica. I read all about their hiring a therapist and filming the recording of St. Anger and how it was all a big whine/wussy-fest. For some strange reason, since watching this, I've become completely addicted to their music. Don't get me wrong. St. Anger is a HORRENDOUS album (from a recording standpoint) and quite possibly their worst... but something about seeing the guys interact just struck a chord with me.

The documentary itself is... well, I don't know. Pretty weak I felt. Its strong point is really the band. Kirk Hammett is, hands-down, the comic relief in this picture. He comes off as a kid between two parents (Hetfield and Ulrich) fighting. I laughed every single time he opened his mouth and was hoping for the odd mentioning of unicorns at some random point (there were horses... close enough).

Lars REALLY surprised me though. I thought I wouldn't be able to stand him, and he ended up being my favourite out of the entire band. The psychologist was really, really irritating, and I relished their firing of him (especially when he knew it was coming: "You... you can't dump me! I made you what you are! I AM THE BAND!!").

Entertaining, but not really a documentary, so much as a voyeuristic peak at the lives of the one of the biggest (okay, okay... I'll say it: maybe even one of the best) heavy metal bands.