(((O))) : Metallica Through The Never

I like Metallica! Yep! I said it; I am a fan of Metallica and most of their music. I grew up with this band; Kill ‘Em All was a staple of my adolescence, as was Ride The Lightning and eventually Master of Puppets. Sure, like most fans I was a bit disappointed with the “Black Album” but the fact remains if you remove one or two songs from that album it becomes an overall solid album. Yes, I hated St. Anger (which was disappointing because I really enjoyed the movie Some Kind of Monster) and I was expecting a great return to the Metallica of my youth. I also despised Load and Reload but I understand where Metallica was going with those albums. So when they finally came out with Death Magnetic, which is an album I personally love, I was glad to see that the band was at least trying to get back to their core. Sure there are some issues with Death Magnetic as well but some of the guitar work on that album is some of the best that this band has ever performed. I don’t count Lulu in my feelings about Metallica because for as weird as that album is which one of us would have scoffed at working with one of our idols in this type of setting. Sure it was Metallica being a backing band to Lou Reed but not many people turn down a chance like that no matter what the concept.

So why the long diatribe about Metallica and their musical history for a movie review? Because I think it is important to understand where I stand on Metallica before I can give an honest opinion on this movie. Plus if you look at the history of Metallica you can see that they aren’t afraid to take chances that might not be the most popular as long as they fit in the vision of what Metallica wants to portray. This is what they have done in their excellent film Metallica Through The Never.

What is important to understand is that there are two parts to this movie. The first part is a spectacular concert film, showcasing a band that is one of the most solid performers still filling arenas and stadiums around the world. Watching this concert footage in IMAX 3D is a fantastic experience. The way the movie is shot it is as if you are running around on stage with the band and looking out into the crowd. It is probably as close as one can get to actually being on stage. The clarity of the film and the magnificence that is IMAX 3D makes the viewer feel a part of the concert whether you are looking at the band from the front row of the audience or looking at the audience over Robert Trujillo’s shoulder as he slams out the rhythms of these great songs.

The massive stage which was built for this movie is a player in and of itself, allowing the band to move around effortlessly and leaving enough room for a film crew to follow them around without being in the way or a distraction. Additionally, the stage floor displays images throughout the film and songs adding to the experience of the individual songs, the slowly moving blood/sludge of the movie opener 'Creeping Death' or the cascading tombstones that accompanied 'Master of Puppets' made this unique visual as important to the story telling as the musicians themselves. Without giving anything away the light/pyrotechnic display used as an intro for 'One' is an incredible spectacle that alone is worth the price of admission. The music throughout was what one would expect from Metallica with thankfully, nods to their older more solid material. Because of this the band was also able to use every stage prop that was ever designed for them. Whether it was the electric chair from Ride The Lightning, crosses for Master of Puppets or Lady Justice from …And Justice for All the stage show was significantly solid.

Thankfully my theater was set up for just this type of movie as the sound was beyond spectacular. There were times during the movie where I actually thought to myself that I could have probably used my earplugs as it was like sitting next to a speaker system in a small club. I say that in a good way as it was a great mix to the sound and it really did sound genuine. So much so that you could detect the fluctuations on James’ microphone as the concert went on. Sometimes his voice was a little further back in the mix and then back to the front which is what you would hear at a live show.

With all of that said let’s talk about the second part of the movie or the story that plays out outside of the arena while Metallica and the audience inside are in their musical bliss and oblivion. A roadie named Tripp is assigned to track down a production truck and bring it back or retrieve the bag that is in it for the band. Apparently this bag is the most important thing the band needs and has to be returned whether there is a literal apocalypse happening in the streets or not. Our friend Tripp is one of the most dedicated employees you will see as he works his way through the streets trying not to get involved in the mayhem that is happening around him. Unfortunately for Tripp he can’t keep his rocks to himself and finds himself being hunted by the very same mob and a mysterious man on a white horse. Eventually, after some self-immolation and a final showdown with the man on the white horse our hero Tripp gets the so important bag to Metallica and has the opportunity to witness an intimate performance by the band as the end credits roll.

I guess the big question is should you go out and spend your hard earned money on this film while it is still at the theater or wait for it on DVD? I can tell you with as much gusto and confidence that all Metallica fans should see this movie while they still can in the theater and especially in IMAX 3D! It is worth every penny to spend the extra dollars on this visually and sonically stimulating movie. You will feel like you are part of the band as the concert goes on around you and you look out into the head-banging, fist-pumping crowd. I would also suggest the same to anyone who has even the smallest interest in Metallica or metal music, as well as fans who have any interest in great live performances caught on film in a unique and captivating way. Sure the “side-story”, if you will, may be a bit indulgent, but it by no means takes anything away from this excellent concert film.

Until later, Peace!