Toronto Film Critics Association, ANVIL makes "best of" list for 2009!

Anvil! The Story of Anvil: the best documentary in a year of very good documentaries, so naturally it was left off the Oscar shortlist. The producers are hoping for a Best Picture slot. That probably won't happen, but that doesn't take away from the amazing story and memorable characters in this look at a Canadian heavy metal band that never gave up on its dream of the big time.

he movie that helped vault Canadian heavy metal band Anvil into the global spotlight has been named the year's best music documentary by the International Documentary Association.

Mike talks about why Anvil!: The Story of Anvil is this year's best movie.

Heavy-metal veterans Anvil busy making the most of long-awaited fame

Anvil attracting celebrity fans

Sometimes, even a massive, screwed-up mess can be a beautiful thing because it's real, it's relatable and in the basest way, it can make the humble Everyman feel better about himself.

Heavy metal love - Anvil! The Story of Anvil is an all-too familiar tale, with a heartwarming ending.

However foolhardy Kudlow and Reiner's quest may seem, they remain real people, still intent on making music they clearly love.

The over-the-top charms of Sacha Gervasi’s “rockumentary” are capably hinted at with its splendidly redundant title. What’s not so obvious is just how affecting the film proves to be.

Endearingly protective as he is of singer-guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, director Sacha Gervasi will allow that the two main men of Anvil are, to put things delicately, a tad out there. So much so that the L.A.–based Brit often found himself with some reassuring to do during the two years he and his team followed the Toronto metalheads for the rock-doc Anvil! The Story of Anvil.

"Like so many reviewers before me I must say the 4 and 5 stars are well deserved."

"The huge sacrifices that everyone endures causes you to cry, laugh and sometimes shirk in embarrassment as tears, laughter, anger and of course the music flow."

"Rock on, Anvil!"

"ROCK SOLID"

NOW's Flick Finder chooses ANVIL as a film to see!

"a lifetime worth of drama, setbacks and especially friendship"

"Between rock and a hard place"

"Their endearing hopefulness goes up to 11"

"easily one of the most compelling rock docs in years."

"We're left rooting for our own homegrown head-bangers to become the world's oldest overnight successes."

" a feel-good phenomenon"

"Canada’s answer to Spinal Tap"

"'Story Of Anvil' brilliant"

"Hot Flashes, ANVIL On VH1's That Metal Show"

An interview with Anvil.

Interview with Steve Kudlow

"a powerful reminder of the lure of dreams, even when everyone else says those dreams should be discarded"

Robb Reiner, Steve Lips Kudlow on Anvil

Robb Reiner, Steve Lips Kudlow on Anvil

Robb Reiner, Steve Lips Kudlow on Anvil

"one of the all-time great rockumentaries"

Streaming audio: Interview with Sasha Gervasi, director.

Streaming Audio Review

Anvil Prove Their 'Metal' In Gutsy Documentary About Following Dreams

Between rock and a hard place