Rock On with Netflix’s Metal Lords (2022)!
Coming-of-Age movies are not strictly an “80s thing,” as this is one of the most popular movie genres spanning decades, but as someone who had the pleasure of being a kid in the 80s, WOW, did we ever have some great ones to enjoy: The Breakfast Club (1985), Stand by Me (1986), The Goonies (1985), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), and one that doesn’t get mentioned nearly enough, in my opinion, Dead Poet’s Society (1989). Each of those became iconic to my generation (GenX), and each has maintained a special place in our collective heart. A more contemporary film in this genre that I loved was Boyhood (2014), directed by one of my favorites, Richard Linklater. Those of you who spent the majority of your childhood years in the 90’s and 2000’s had some pretty great offerings as well.
That brings us to the focus of today’s review: Metal Lords (2022). Will this be the next great beloved coming of age movie for a generation? Well, no, probably not. But I have to say, even being in my 40s, I sure had fun with this one. And I want to say up front, it scored big points with me right off the bat, not only because it was centered on some of the rock music I grew up with, but because of a handful of cameos that encompassed my favorite scene from the movie.
The two main characters of the film are on the fringe of their high school class, struggling to dodge the campus bullies while trying to solidify the foundation of their vision – a metal band called “SkullF**ker”. The founding friends have the drums, lead guitar and vocals covered between the two of them, but seek to add a third member who can bring the bass. Another of my favorite scenes pertains to the open audition for a bass guitarist, and one enthusiastic and hopeful candidate in particular. It was one of the several occasions that got an authentic, audible laugh out of me, which isn’t always an easy task!
There is a lot to like about Metal Lords. I don’t expect to see it mentioned much the next time Will Smith is slapping someone on a Sunday night, but if you crave something fun, with a good heart, that knows how to rock, give this one a chance.
Score: 8.1/10
Starring: Jaeden Martell, Adrian Greensmith, Isis Hainsworth, and Noah Urrea
Suggested By: @zsoto16
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