Apparently, Anvil were a massive metal group back in the 1980s, and now (in 2005/6 anyway) lead singer Lips and original drummer Robb Reiner work in catering and construction, and continue to play at their local clubs on evenings and weekend, while other groups big in the 80s continue to command crowds at arenas. The documentary doesn't so much explore what went wrong - there wasn't a defining moment or career-killing move - rather it follows Lips and Robb as they attempt to make a comeback and a 13th album. One of the band's new European girlfriends manages to book Anvil on a tour around her home continent, which sees them play to massive crowds one night, and a party of 20 the next, along the way not getting paid, missing trains and falling out. Following the tour, everything goes back to normal and the band goes back to work, but then, after sending a demo to an old producer, they get the chance to come to England and record the next album. Lips is the star of the documentary, and he's a great guy - he just wants to make music, and he wants as many people to hear it as possible. He's not bothered by ego, but his frustration at the lack of interest from record companies, the constant toil on tour for peanuts and the occasional bust up with best mate Robb is equal parts amusing and heart-breaking. His determination not to give up his music dream (his siblings are doctors, lawyers and the like) is inspiring, and when the movie ends with a massive concert in Japan, where they shared the stage in the 1980s with Bon Jovi and the like, is a really happy, uplifting moment, and you really wish the group well.
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