Movie Breakdown: Metal Lords

Pre-Screening Stance:

Metal Lords was written by D.B. Weiss (one of the two Game of Thrones showrunners), and directed by Peter Sollett (he did Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and will soon do the Minecraft movie). If you ask me, that’s a real bizarre combo, but I’m still down to check it out.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Like any good movie, Metal Lords is centered around a Battle of the Bands! Two teens – Kevin (Jaeden Martell) and Hunter (Adrian Greensmith) – are Skullfucker, and nothing will stand in their way of taking home the grand prize at the competition. Well, nothing but Kevin, whose only real experience as a drummer comes from his time in the marching band, which he’s only been a member of to avoid PE. Also, he doesn’t listen to metal at all. So, with no time to spare, he and Hunter must get their shit together (i.e. come of age and realize what’s important in life and all that jazz metal).

There isn’t anything about Metal Lords that will wow you, but it is a charming little affair. Director Peter Sollett splits the difference on showcasing teen troubles and paying tribute to the rock gods of yesteryear, and it makes for a mix buoyant enough to keep your interest afloat for its hour and half runtime. On the performance front, Jaeden Martell is his usual nice-kid-with-a-heart-of-gold self and newcomer Adrian Greensmith gives it his all (though, I imagine some of you will find his manic energy grating). Again, it’s all fine, just not particularly memorable.

Whether you’re just a rock fan or you enjoy coming of age tales, you could do a whole lot worse than Metal Lords. The movie will hit Netflix this Friday, April 8.

One Last Thought:

I suppose it could have been movie magic, but Jaeden Martell actually looks as though he put in some real work behind the kit. Good on him.