Anvil! The Story of Anvil

Name: Anvil! The Story of Anvil
Genre: Biography, Music, Documentary
Released: April 10, 2009
Duration: 80 min
Rating: 82
Cast: Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni

2009

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 26 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 52 Ratings

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8.3

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8.3	User Score Universal acclaim based on 52 Ratings

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Anvil: The Story Of Anvil

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Movie Details & Credits

Abramorama | Release Date: April 10, 2009 | Unrated

Starring: Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni

Summary: At 14, Toronto school friends Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. They meant it. Their band, Anvil, went on to become the "demigods of Canadian metal," releasing one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982 Metal on Metal. The album influenced a musical generation, including Metallica, Slayer andAt 14, Toronto school friends Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. They meant it. Their band, Anvil, went on to become the "demigods of Canadian metal," releasing one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982 Metal on Metal. The album influenced a musical generation, including Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, that went on to sell millions of records. But Anvil's career took a different path, straight into obscurity. (Abramorama Films)… Expand

Director: Sacha Gervasi

Genre(s): Biography, Music, Documentary

Rating: Unrated

Runtime: 80 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Sam Toy

The lyrics to AC/DC’s Long Way To The Top were never more appropriate. Anvil! is exactly what's needed to slap the recent rash of doomsayer documentaries in the face -- preferably with a studded, fingerless leather glove. Read full review

Noel Murray

Yet in his despair, there's something Kudlow misses, and it's what makes Anvil! as moving as it is hilarious. Read full review

Peter Travers

Want to find the heart of rock & roll? You can hear it thundering in Anvil. Read full review

Dana Stevens

The director, Sacha Gervasi, is a fan first and a documentarian second. If Anvil! has a flaw, it's that it's too enthusiastic, a reverently uncritical valentine to the director's adolescent heroes. Read full review

Andrew O'Hehir

From the too-good-to-be-true desk comes this loving and hilarious portrait of Spinal Tap-esque Canadian metal band Anvil, who were briefly a hard-rock sensation in the early '80s (mainly for the song "Metal on Metal") and have been struggling along in total obscurity ever since. Read full review

Liam Lacey

Surprisingly touching and funny. Read full review

A.O. Scott

Mr. Reiner and Mr. Kudlow may not quite merit full-metal glory, but they don't deserve oblivion either, and Anvil! The Story of Anvil makes both a case and a place for their band. Read full review

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User Reviews

LyleS.

Oct 6, 2009

This is the best rock movie of all time - it is the essence of love for rock.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

BenM

Aug 16, 2009

This gets a full 10 points - you can't lose with this film, it will stick with you. And I've got to say the music was pretty damn good too.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JoshB

Apr 22, 2009

Easily one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. It's one of those docs where you have trouble believing that the people and events are real.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

TeresaL.

Oct 5, 2009

This movie is so moving...a true testament to the human spirit. I am so thrilled that Anvil is getting the recognition that they definitely deserve. Fantastic movie. Just purchased my signed copy of the dvd. Long Live Anvil!!!!!

1 of 1 users found this helpful

KellyP

May 15, 2009

We're still talking about Anvil a month later! It's the best kind of movie - the kind that stays with you. You don't have to be a headbanger to thoroughly enjoy it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

charlotteydwi

Feb 12, 2013

This documentary was truly moving, it gave a perfect example of what bands really go through to "get to the top". You are rooting for them throughout!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SteveB

May 14, 2009

It is clearly a labor of love for those who made the film, and if you're familiar with the band you'll like it also. But for the average person, it's only marginally interesting. The band certainly has a lot of heart and persistence.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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