MOVIE: ANVIL – THE STORY OF ANVIL

This new documentary looks like Spinal Tap, but pulls on the heartstrings like nothing has since The Notebook. The film tells the story of Anvil: a band who were slated as heavy rock’s next big thing in 1982. Headlining festivals with Bon Jovi and Whitesnake, and influencing everyone from Metallica to Guns and Roses, Anvil somehow missed out on the excessive successes of their peers and copycats. The story picks up again in 2005, where singer Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner have made a pact to rock forever and, despite both being in their fifties, are keeping to it. Playing gigs between working menial jobs and raising families, Anvil are unexpectedly booked to play a European tour, which is sure to shift their career back into gear. At times hilarious, and at other times devastating, Anvil: The Story of Anvil is a surprisingly touching tale about friendship, rock n’ roll and never giving up on your dream – no matter how long it takes you to reach it. (LR)