Metal Lords movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Metal Lords

This coming-of-age film releases globally on Netflix on April 8, 2022

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 37 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

I’m not a Metalhead, but I still appreciated what this film wanted to do and be. In fact, writer/producer D. B. Weiss revealed that he tried really hard to please heavy metal fans while also considering viewers who aren’t.

This musical mayhem is brought to us by the producers of “Game of Thrones” and “Harold & Kumar”. It’s about two kids who want to start a heavy metal band in a high school where exactly two kids care about heavy metal. Hunter (played by Adrian Greensmith) is a diehard metal fan who knows his history and can shred. His dream is to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands. He enlists his best friend Kevin (played by Jaeden Martell) to man the drums. But with schoolmates more interested in Bieber than Black Sabbath, finding a bassist is a struggle until Kevin overhears Emily (Isis Hainsworth) playing her cello. The motley crew must contend with school, parents, hormones, and teen angst while trying to get along enough for their band to win the big contest.

Writer/producer D.B. Weiss said he got the idea from reflecting on his own high-school years when he was a member of a couple of bands.

THINGS I LIKED:

The introduction perfectly captures the metal band vibe. In fact, the entire movie does.
I hadn’t seen some of the young actors in anything before. Adrian Greensmith is a talented classical and jazz guitarist, and I thought he had a great look for the part. He kept reminding me of Steve Perry from the epic band “Journey”.
Believe it or not, Isis Hainsworth and Jaeden Martell weren’t musicians at all before this movie! They were able to spend time during the pandemic quarantine practicing their instruments. Wow, what new talents did I develop during the lockdown? Ummm…
Heavy metal fans will love the new song “Machinery of Torment” written by Executive Music Producer Tom Morello. His advice to the young actors was “Your face should always look like you’re an enraged barbarian.”
You’ll learn a lot about the famous heavy metal bands of history. Some of them even show up in a scene as a surprise cameo!
The security guard scene was hilarious.
The story really captures the spirit of misfits who try so hard to belong as they develop new friendships, talents, and respect for others.
I was happy to see that the casting department included a teenager with Down Syndrome.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

People who don’t like or appreciate heavy metal probably won’t enjoy listening to the music or watching the characters who embrace the dark behaviors associated with that kind of music. There is more to the story than just that though.
I don’t enjoy watching young kids do almost anything to feel accepted by their peers.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

I don’t recommend this movie for kids.
The name of the band includes an F-bomb.
Profanity, crude language, and many F-bombs (some spoken by a very young boy)
The teenage girl in the movie has mental health and anger management issues.
Teens take drugs, smoke, and drink alcohol
Someone throws up. Disgusting.
Teens race in cars
Bullying and physical abuse
Vandalism
Some violence and people get hurt
Images of male “private parts”
Kissing scene
Some teens have “premarital relations”
You see naked teens from the rear and side
Talk of medication as “Happy Pills”

THEMES:

Fitting in and belonging
The feeling of community and bonding with a special interest
Music as a form of expression
Mental health
Friendship
Feeling invisible

INTERESTING LINES:

“All it takes to be great is commitment and sacrifice.” – Kevin (Jaeden Martell)
“Play something heavy.” – Hunter (Adrian Greensmith)
“Why can’t we all not fit in together?” – Kevin (Jaeden Martell)
“You’re not nothing. Your something. You’re somebody.” – Hunter (Adrian Greensmith)