Metallica: Through the Never
Metallica: Through the Never Image
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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

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  • Summary: An IMAX 3D film featuring a never-before-seen live-performance by Metallica created exclusively for the film and a suspenseful narrative about Trip (Dane DeHaan), a young roadie for Metallica, who is sent on an urgent mission during the band's show.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. The Playlist
    Reviewed by: Drew Taylor
    Sep 26, 2013
    91
    It's one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable cinematic experiences of the year, even if you couldn't pick a Metallica track out of some hypothetical never-ending playlist.
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jim Farber
    Sep 26, 2013
    80
    One drawback: While the swooping and careening visuals capture the depth and darkness of an arena experience, the sound doesn’t. As burly as the acoustics in a theater may be, they’re spindly compared to the sucker-punch fans prize at an actual Metallica concert. Luckily — for its visuals alone — “Through the Never” has enough grit and power to deserve two fists up.
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Mark Guarino
    Sep 26, 2013
    75
    In this film, Metallica elevates headbanging to matters of the head that will consume the viewer long after the fade to black.
  4. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Raoul Hernandez
    Sep 25, 2013
    67
    The Song Remains the Same. There, said it – as will every other rock & roll fanatic considering Metallica: Through the Never.
  5. Movie Nation
    Reviewed by: Roger Moore
    Sep 25, 2013
    63
    Since the movie’s street side dream doesn’t add much more than a gimmicky “interpretation” of their sound, you’re left with a deafening dirge –well-played, but really, no improvement on your basic concert film.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: August Brown
    Sep 26, 2013
    50
    The problem is that Antal and Metallica took two different movies — a fine live-band document and a supernatural end-of-days romp — and smashed them together to make both of them more boring.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Sep 24, 2013
    38
    The songs still sound great here, but the instruments aren't amplified nearly as much as the nostalgia and vanity of the men who wield them.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Muzumush
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    Amazing concert footage filled with state of the art sound and 3D, while using it beautifully. the band is on fire and they are at the top of their game. This is all mixed with a story line full of symbolism about human nature and a young man's trip (pun intended) into his own subconscious. Definitely recommended for Metallica or heavy metal fans and anyone who likes new things and live music.… Expand
  2. Shnubby
    Oct 16, 2013
    10
    I had high expectations for this film. When I finally got to view it my expectations were met and far surpassed. Watching Metallica: Through the Never was a joyous use of an hour and a half of my life. I expected nothing more than just a Metallica concert, only on film. What it turned out to be was an AWESOME concert in the most badass arena I've ever seen with some of Metallica's greatest hits all intertwined with a side story that was actually really good! The visual style of the side story segments is what really blew me away. The entire movie is just amazing eye and ear candy! I got what I wanted and a bucket load more. 3D may not be that great but I don't care for 3D anyway. Everything in this film is PERFECT (exceptnot finding out what was in that damn bag!). A must watch for Metallica fans and in my opinion, everyone else as well.… Expand
  3. SkillJam
    Sep 27, 2013
    10
    Its really awesome and brilliant. Seems like masterpiece. Sound quality was really great, feels like you were really on that concert and song list was put together really cleverly You should recommend it to all your friends!… Expand
  4. Thegodfatherson
    Sep 27, 2013
    9
    Dane DeHaan plays Trip, a skateboard-and-hoodie type, tasked with picking up a mysterious bag left behind by the band earlier in the day. His surreal trip across the city, interrupted by car crashes, riots and more, functions as both a linking device and a music-video accompaniment to the set. DeHaan looks like Alden Ehrenreich, who in turns looks like Leonardo DiCaprio, which is a nice prize in the genetic lottery.
    The result is what every concert movie strives for the sense of being there, but with a far better view than you could ever actually afford. And the roadie's tale, while not the most meaningful plot, makes an excellent counterpoint to the music. The music which, as I mentioned, I love.    … Expand
  5. man
    Oct 5, 2013
    9
    This is quite honestly the greatest IMAX 3D experience I've had the pleasure of watching in quite a while! I'm not a huge fan of Metallica despite being familiar with and knowing most of their songs. However, this movie rocked my world!!! It was everything I could have ever wanted from an experience like this! Very loud (satisfyingly loud) sound, quality 3D picture, and one hell of a concert from one great oldies band! The concert on it's own is easily the best part, but the movie's subplot of this kid trying to find a truck out in the city with something of value in the back also had its own interesting feel. So basically, even if you aren't a huge die-hard Metallica fan, if you're at least familiar with some of their music, you'll definitely walk out of this movie pretty darn happy guaranteed!… Expand
  6. MediaboyMusings
    Oct 7, 2013
    7
    While the narrative component is disjointed and a slightly annoying interruption between scenes of Metallica doing what they do best, as well as those live portions not being quite as immersive as the experience I had watching U2's spectacular U23D live film, Metallica Through The Never is still a must-see for fans. Between the big screen presentation, phenomenal sound mix, and a properly loud volume level, it's unquestionably the next best thing to attending an actual Metallica show. … Expand
  7. Rasa
    Sep 30, 2013
    5
    This movie is basically just a filmed concert, with a few extra special effects. Nothing more to add, really. No meaningful plot, no distinctive visuals. If you love Metallica songs or at least hard rock, and you feel perfectly fine about listening them for 1.5 hours, then this movie is for you. If not well, you better not waste your money on it. Also, the movie wins almost nothing from 3D, so you can watch it in 2D without losing anything (if such version exists).… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

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