Like any Metallica fan, when the news of a feature film happening came about I was deeply intrigued and seriously excited. I have been a fan since I was around 10 years old and they were the band that really introduced me to the world of metal. Before I had listened to some lighter punk/rock music but Metallica opened up a whole new world to me and that is why I have been a long term fan.

Initially, some folk weren't too fond at the idea of a movie claiming it to be another way for the band to get money - who cares!? They make money, whoop-de-doo, all I care about is if it's enjoyable and the fans can enjoy a ''near-concert'' experience, especially those that have never had the privilege of seeing them live.

The guys of Metallica began to really discuss the idea of the movie when they were here in Belfast, yes, Belfast finally has bigger significance other than the Titanic - so, I'm really hoping that the band remembers that and includes us in their next tour. Check out the Hit The Lights series where they discuss the beginning of their film journey:




The film itself is a weird one to describe - I mean, it's basically a live concert and in the dark, depth of the cinema it's so easy to really get lost in the music and nearly feel like you're on stage with them - that is, until it pulls away into the outer world where they have some apocalyptic, horseman nightmare going on. To begin with I was a bit saddened when they stepped out of the gig and into the world of Trip, a character who has been sent on a mission to retrieve a bag that the band requires. However, over the case of the movie you begin to grow more intrigued and seek answers to particular questions, especially 'What's in the bag'?

One thing I will say is that I wasn't overly blown away by the 3D element, I wanted to nearly feel the heat of the flames, I wanted the stage to crumble around the audience - the best we got was hit in the nose by the front of a beaten up car. I wasn't really impressed, but I could deal with that.

The soundtrack was amazing, including Creeping Death, Fuel, One, Hit the Lights, And Justice for All and Ride the Lightening. Particular favorite was the introduction to One, phenomenal use of stage set up and effects and really brought the song to life.



The fiction story

*Potential spoilers ahead*

The film opens with a pan shot of Vancouver city and focuses down onto the car park outside the arena where a very excited fan is unable to contain himself for the gig. He is depicted as a somewhat overweight oaf, who is clearly unable to dress himself - but it adds a little lighthearted humour to the story. Followed by the introduction of Trip, a moody skateboarder who just so happens to go flying off of it and land in a puddle.

It then introduces each of the Metallica members in short snippets through the eyes of Trip - such as passing by in a car, or in the corridors of the arena. He is a member of the roadie crew, but you can tell even by the lack of dialogue that he is a fan or is at least intrigued by the band and simply wants to engage in the gig with the audience, who are now full swing into the set with Creeping Death (I so wanted to chant 'die' at this part). His dreams are shut down however when Trip is told to retrieve a bag from a broken down lorry in the city.

Approaching his run-down van, Trip's mission starts with him popping some form of pill before he sets off and so this leads the audience to believe that it was some form of hallucinogenic. He then sets off with the eyes of his trusty hanging man dashboard doll focused on him and the heavy heart of missing the gig.

His initial journey is cut short however due to an accident at a set of traffic lights - with Fuel blaring in the background and almost in Trip's head, he zones out of reality and gets taken out by a car approaching the side of his van, causing it to spiral flip over - possible Burton reference?


Once he has recovered he sets off on foot, encountering some weird characters in the process. Riots, hanging men, plenty of fire and a horseman with a grudge get in the way of Trip reaching the lorry that has broken down, where the bag awaits in the back. Centered, and alone, the bag is lifted by Trip who has a look inside - we see him sigh and look disheartened as he leans back onto the wall of the lorry.

He doesn't have long to mope around though as the riot brigade are back on his tail again. Dousing himself on fire and eventually destroying the horseman - perfectly timed with the destruction of the stage back at the gig (think Cunning Stunts) - Trip can finally make his way back to the arena to complete his task.

When he arrives, the hall is empty and there are no traces of the gig apart from the stage. He gets to it, and places the bag on the stage and merely walks away.

This is seemingly the end of the movie as it then cuts to the credits - now, I'm pretty sure 9/10 people in the audience are currently screaming at the screen, ''WHAT'S IN THE BAG???''

However, remember I said about the possible Burton reference at the beginning? During the credits the guys are seen on stage by themselves, playing Orion and the camera cuts to the bag before fading to black. (No Metallica pun intended) - Some folk are starting to believe that the bag could be a representation of Burton's soul - it's possible.

The main thing to remember here is that the bag is simply a MacGuffin, a fancy film term that is basically a plot device in the form of a goal or object, in this case, a bag. It is not important or significant to the story as such, but is merely a way of the protagonist reaching his journey. The audience can take from that what they desire.


Would I recommend the movie? Yeah, I guess I would - especially if you have never seen them live. However, if you're one of those individuals that says anything like this; ''Oh Metallica are such a sellout, they just want money, quit making movies and make an album, weh weh weh'', then no, don't see it. I do recommend however that you keep quiet too. They've been at this for 30 years, quit yapping and lets see you keep top of your game at that level.

Metallica: Through the Never website

Check it out and see what you think! Have you seen it already and have an opinion, leave a comment below and get discussing! Meanwhile you can join the thousands of others over at Twitter with #What'sInTheBag?, I thought that was pretty awesome.

Much love,