Netflix Instant Watch Recommendation of the Week: Anvil! The Story of Anvil

This week, I'm very happy to be recommending the heartwarming critical darling, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil." Directed by Sacha Gervasi, this 2008 documentary explores the story of Canadian metal band Anvil, led by Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner.

The film follows Kudlow and Reiner as they continue to seek success in the world of metal 30 years after their creation of the band as adolescents. Anvil, despite having had an influence on some of the most popular metal musicians in history (Metallica, Anthrax, Slash), had never really managed to find any resounding success among the heyday of 80's metal. When the film begins to follow Kudlow and Reiner, they are working low-paying menial jobs in order to make money to support their continued musical performance.

Despite this, the two men (along with current bassist Glenn Five) are still playing just as enthusiastically as ever. Their very close friendship comes across brilliantly in the film, and even if you aren't a huge fan of their genre of music, it is extremely easy to root for their success as the film progresses. They are clearly talented musicians, and it is obvious how much they love playing metal for a crowd, no matter how small the crowd may be. In addition, both Kudlow and Reiner are perfect examples of stereotypical Canadian politeness.

If this is sounding a lot like "This is Spinal Tap," that's because it sort of is. Unlike that Rob Reiner (just a hilarious coincidence, as it happens) film, though, "Anvil!" is not really meant to make you laugh. You likely will, as there are plenty of funny moments throughout, but it is by no means Gervasi's intent. Like any great story of friendship, there are a few points in the film where those friendships are tested, and those moments are appropriately tense and dramatic, with plenty of pathos earned for these men over the course of the documentary.

Overall, it's an easy recommendation to anyone, but especially fans of 80's metal. You'll meet a band you likely had no idea existed, let alone was so respected by their fans and peers. The personalities of the band members are engaging personalities, and rooting for them as they struggle to find success is quite a satisfying journey. Even if you're not a fan of metal, it's a pretty easy recommendation, as it presents a wonderfully honest tale of friendship that succeeds at tugging gingerly at your heartstrings.