S_dot_M_dot
Joined Jul 2018
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S_dot_M_dot's rating
When outcasts Kevin (Jaeden Martell) and Hunter (Adrian Greensmith) decide enough is enough and are going to become the raddest metal band the world has ever laid eyes on, they discover they have a few problems. First, they need a bass player. Second, they need to win the Battle of the Bands. When they recruit Emily (Isis Hainsworth), who is a cellist, the new trio has now formed an unstoppable trio that is ready to take the world by storm.
Director Peter Sollett did a good job of creating a coming-of-age film with the backbone of a Behind the Music feel. You see how the three main characters are faced with life changing incidents and how they overcome them. With DB Weiss on as writer, I wouldn't expect a film like this considering his previous producing credits. The writing and directing teams collaborated to create a film that holds the viewer's attention while flying by.
The film's killer soundtrack pushes the narrative throughout. Each song works in unison with what's going on in the film and even blends with the band members' rehearsals. The biggest technical strength is the editing of the music to the instruments. This may even be chalked up to the actors putting in the work to learn the songs. Even if they are stand in musicians, that just shows the editing is doing convincing work to deliver a true rock feel.
Jaeden Martell is the workhorse in the film. He carries the dramatic tones of the film while still delivering the comedic beats. Adrian Greensmith has a tough as screws mindset and is the driving comedic force in the film. Isis Hainsworth teeters on the brink of rage, ready to burst at the slightest inconvenience. For me, Joe Manganiello is the highlight of the film. A small role that doesn't overpower the cast but leaves a lasting impression.
When you hit the later stages of the second act, this film really drops off. The overall story structure is not breaking any new ground, so you would hope things stay consistent throughout. Thankfully, the film redeems itself and finishes strong with a third act that wraps things up. Some jokes feel forced, and things are done just for the sake of doing them.
Metal Lords knows its audience and delivers when it counts. In the age of direct-to-streaming films, you're going to get a lot of films that feel rushed and just put out there. The careful attention to the musical details is what sets this one apart. This is a good way to have a rocking good time with laughs along the way.
Director Peter Sollett did a good job of creating a coming-of-age film with the backbone of a Behind the Music feel. You see how the three main characters are faced with life changing incidents and how they overcome them. With DB Weiss on as writer, I wouldn't expect a film like this considering his previous producing credits. The writing and directing teams collaborated to create a film that holds the viewer's attention while flying by.
The film's killer soundtrack pushes the narrative throughout. Each song works in unison with what's going on in the film and even blends with the band members' rehearsals. The biggest technical strength is the editing of the music to the instruments. This may even be chalked up to the actors putting in the work to learn the songs. Even if they are stand in musicians, that just shows the editing is doing convincing work to deliver a true rock feel.
Jaeden Martell is the workhorse in the film. He carries the dramatic tones of the film while still delivering the comedic beats. Adrian Greensmith has a tough as screws mindset and is the driving comedic force in the film. Isis Hainsworth teeters on the brink of rage, ready to burst at the slightest inconvenience. For me, Joe Manganiello is the highlight of the film. A small role that doesn't overpower the cast but leaves a lasting impression.
When you hit the later stages of the second act, this film really drops off. The overall story structure is not breaking any new ground, so you would hope things stay consistent throughout. Thankfully, the film redeems itself and finishes strong with a third act that wraps things up. Some jokes feel forced, and things are done just for the sake of doing them.
Metal Lords knows its audience and delivers when it counts. In the age of direct-to-streaming films, you're going to get a lot of films that feel rushed and just put out there. The careful attention to the musical details is what sets this one apart. This is a good way to have a rocking good time with laughs along the way.
A man (Jason Segel) breaks into the home of a tech billionaire (Jesse Plemons). As the man is trying to leave, the billionaire and his wife (Lily Collins) unexpectedly arrive. Now the three are stuck in a predicament that can escalate at any second.
When dealing with a small cast and a single location, you have to make sure your story and your characters are easy to connect with. Director Charlie McDowell stretched each shot to its max in order to build tension amongst the cast. There are a lot of callbacks to classic cinema at play here, keeping things simple yet letting the viewer's mind wonder about the possibilities of what's to come. The score here is one of the best aspects of the film, as there isn't a need for special effects or an elaborate sound design. I love it when a score works as an unknown character in a movie; you're aware of it the entire time but it still blends in.
It's no surprise that an elite cast is needed when there are minimal characters in a film. Casting Jesse Plemons, Lily Collins, and Jason Segel, who also lent a hand in the writing process, is a great way to start out. Jason Segel plays the man who is committing a crime. He is one of the most mild-mannered criminals I can think of off the top of my head. Jesse Plemons is my personal favorite in the film. He has a swagger and an arrogance that gets more unlikeable as the film progresses. You can tell he's on edge the entire runtime and also provides much needed comic relief. Lily Collins does a lot of work with just the expression on her face. She carries the emotional tone and becomes the rational one.
There is a fantastic cast at play, a gorgeous setting, a good concept, and now you hope the execution is there. For the most part, it is. This film already runs at a short runtime but could have benefited from being shorter. There are areas that drag and bring the tone of the film down. There are also some unanswered questions. I understand the need for ambiguity, but small details inserted into the down times could have kept the interest up. It was a smart idea to add a small character when the gardener (Omar Leyva) just to bring something fresh to the screen. It's not that this was bad, but you would expect a bit more considering the cast you have in front of you.
There are problems with this film, but the way they wrap it up in the end saves what could have been a slow disaster. A strong start and a strong finish are what benefit this film and make it worth watching. If you're a fan of crime thrillers of the past, this film is going to be for you. If you are expecting a high-energy, fast-paced film experience, you're going to be disappointed. I, for one, am glad I watched this and will always welcome films of this nature.
When dealing with a small cast and a single location, you have to make sure your story and your characters are easy to connect with. Director Charlie McDowell stretched each shot to its max in order to build tension amongst the cast. There are a lot of callbacks to classic cinema at play here, keeping things simple yet letting the viewer's mind wonder about the possibilities of what's to come. The score here is one of the best aspects of the film, as there isn't a need for special effects or an elaborate sound design. I love it when a score works as an unknown character in a movie; you're aware of it the entire time but it still blends in.
It's no surprise that an elite cast is needed when there are minimal characters in a film. Casting Jesse Plemons, Lily Collins, and Jason Segel, who also lent a hand in the writing process, is a great way to start out. Jason Segel plays the man who is committing a crime. He is one of the most mild-mannered criminals I can think of off the top of my head. Jesse Plemons is my personal favorite in the film. He has a swagger and an arrogance that gets more unlikeable as the film progresses. You can tell he's on edge the entire runtime and also provides much needed comic relief. Lily Collins does a lot of work with just the expression on her face. She carries the emotional tone and becomes the rational one.
There is a fantastic cast at play, a gorgeous setting, a good concept, and now you hope the execution is there. For the most part, it is. This film already runs at a short runtime but could have benefited from being shorter. There are areas that drag and bring the tone of the film down. There are also some unanswered questions. I understand the need for ambiguity, but small details inserted into the down times could have kept the interest up. It was a smart idea to add a small character when the gardener (Omar Leyva) just to bring something fresh to the screen. It's not that this was bad, but you would expect a bit more considering the cast you have in front of you.
There are problems with this film, but the way they wrap it up in the end saves what could have been a slow disaster. A strong start and a strong finish are what benefit this film and make it worth watching. If you're a fan of crime thrillers of the past, this film is going to be for you. If you are expecting a high-energy, fast-paced film experience, you're going to be disappointed. I, for one, am glad I watched this and will always welcome films of this nature.