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Metallica - Some Kind of Monster Actors: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett Directors: Bruce Sinofsky, Joe Berlinger Number of Items: 2 Format: Color Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Studio: Paramount Home Video Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2005-01-25 Buy from Amazon |
 "Inside the Monster"This is a great Documentary. I was listening to Metallica before they had any radio or video play, a lot of my questions of how they endured all this time were answered by watching. An inside look at how the songs come together and how friendships and a certain brotherhood stand tall through some difficult times. Anyone that is alive has certainly gone through the dilemmas that the band faced and can relate, it's cool to see they have to deal with it too, it makes me appreciate their music even more. I have been into Metallica for almost as long as they've existed, I was listening to them before they were "mainstream cool", I'm still jammin to them even though theres a lot of folks that think they've sold out, I'm certain they've come this far because of talent, endurance and motivation, all clearly shown on this DVD. Buy It! "fantastic documentary, whether or not you're a fan"The filmmakers who brought you Brother's Keeper spent several years following the members of Metallica between therapy exercises and recording sessions, and the result is a fabulous documentary that will entertain fans and non-fans alike. The group has been divided by a bitter breakup with their bassist, writer/singer James Hetfield has gone into seclusion/rehab, and the band has not recorded for quite a while. As they attempt to reunite and record St. Anger, they also decide that group therapy would be beneficial and it might be fun to have a documentary crew follow them around! I'm not sure how they decided all this pressure was a good idea, but it sure makes for a wonderful film. Along the way we meet fans, parents and kids; Lars sells his art collection; the band auditions and selects a new bass player; and, in the funniest scene of the film, the group's therapist decides to submit lyrics to the band! I also enjoyed the moment when Lars is being interviewed in his home, talking about writing music and performing; in the background we hear a little voice repeating, "Daddy! Daddy!" and Ulrich, metal rocker extraordinaire, interrupts his musings on the meaning of art to say, "What is it, sweetie?" Priceless. I watched this, then watched it with the band's commentary, then watched it again with my husband -- and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. I'd recommend this to fans of Metallica, to non-fans who like documentaries, and to people who are interested in people. While the making of an album is not the primary focus of the film (although, ironically, that was the original intent of it), we do still learn some very interesting things about that process, and we come to appreciate the hard work it takes to stay relevant and entertaining. Extras include two commentary tracks, one with the filmmakers and one with Metallica, and 2 trailers. Subtitles are available in English or Spanish. The second disc contains scenes from various premieres and film festivals as well as 41 deleted scenes, including a tour of Kirk's skull-rich home, a webchat with the lads, a surprisingly prescient management discussion about the benefits of therapy for the band, bowling, Kirk in traffic school, and a terrific segment featuring a collaboration between Kirk, Lars, Swizz Beatz and Ja Rule. Highly recommended. "Honest, eye opening & excellent!"I have to say that this movie is totally amazing! I enjoy all kinds of music...though, I only love about 1/3 of Metallica's songs...I knew I had to see this film and my gut was right, this movie ROCKS in all sorts of ways!! Take it from me...doesn't matter if you love, like or hate them...this outstanding documentary is raw, emotional, shocking and the closest thing to the "reality" genre I've seen in a long time and I'm old! You will want to watch it over and over again...bravo boys...you made me a loyal fan!  "very disappointing"This was the worst documentary I've ever seen! When I heard there was going to be a documentary about Metallica I was thrilled! Couldn't wait to see it. Well I wish I didn't waste my money. I even turned it off 3/4 of the way through because I simpley couldn't stand it! (and I never turn off films) If you like group hugs, and a shrink to help express your feelings about how to open a pop can with out upsetting anyone, than this is the movie for you. I don't mind the therapeutic process.. BUT FOR THE WHOLE MOVIE?!? No wonder I never heard anything about it after it got released. I'm more irritated than anything. I was expecting a rock'n movie about one of the most pivotal metal bands ever to record an album... But instead it's just a long.. long, therapy session. Absolutly nothing about the past albums, life on the road, or anything else to do with the band other than their communication problems.. boooorrring!!!!!!!!!!! "Watch only for comedic purposes."First of all, I fail to understand why so many people consider this to be such an excellent documentary. The only thing other than the few laughs at the expense of the band members that I got out of this film was a real irritation and dislike toward members of Metallica and associates. After listening to their music for at least ten years of my life, it was a bit disappointing to see how overpretentious and arrogant Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, and Jason Newstead are. The entire documentary consists of Lars Ulrich sulking around with his bottom lip stuck out, whining about his life while constantly giving lip service to his overexalted ego. Granted, all of this is interspersed with an occasional failed attempt at modesty, but if you found Lars mildly irritating before you will go away hating him for the spoiled little brat that he is. Besides, I cannot take anyone seriously who is whimpering about his life while living in mansions, consorting with beautiful women, befriending rock stars, and selling multi-million dollar paintings. James Hetfield, although not as annoying as Lars, and someone whom I can't help but have a grudging respect, exposes himself in much hilarity as he drives at great speed down an interstate highway in this bizarre looking hot rod waving at the people in the vehicles he passes by while claiming that he doesn't consider himself someone who likes to attract attention and doesn't see himself as a "famous person." Out of all of them, the one who made me laugh the hardest was Kirk Hammett. I didn't realize how girlish he is with his soft voice and red rimmed watery eyes. Even one harsh word between Lars and Hetfield was almost enough to send tears streaming down Kirk's swarthy cheeks. Another thing that was worth watching was Dave Mustaine from Megadeth crying about his being thrown out of Metallica decades ago for being a drug addicted lush and how it completely destroyed his life forevermore. The only thing that would have made that scene more laughable would have been if the petulant Lars and self proclaimed loser Mustaine would have exchanged some blows. The only thing this film clarified for me is why Metallica's last album was so poorly done. Why the quality was so awful and why the lyrics were so far below even being mediocre. The old Metallica has passed us by and is gone forever without a scream, crash, or even a bang, but a softly spoken whimper. Leaving us with a Metallica that has become nothing more than a group of middle aged spoiled brats with grossly overblown egos that are even bigger than their bank accounts. Sad, but true. |
