Some Kind of Monster

Reviewed by:
Paul Ulane

In case we needed any more proof that Metallica had officially dropped off the heavy metal radar, Some Kind of Monster makes the point clearer than any of the band's lite-rock singles from the mid-'90s. That's not to say it doesn't have its moments as a movie, it's just sad to see the one-time metal kings weep to each other in group therapy for two hours and 15 minutes. Starting with the recording of their latest album, St. Anger, Monster follows Metallica as they lose bassist Jason Newsted to frustration (direct quote on the idea of a therapist: "That is really fucking lame"), singer James Hetfield to drug rehab (he's missing for six months of the filming), and drummer Lars Ulrich to an aneurysm from incessant squawking (OK, that one might have been a personal fantasy). With the help of its $40,000-per-month shrink, the band finally wraps up the album over two years after filming began. The arduous therapy sessions were more painful for us than they were for them and only get sadder when the audience starts to giggle rather than sympathize. For a true fan of the band, Monster might be a refreshing new look at Metallica—including a long-awaited Dave Mustaine–Lars Ulrich confrontation—but sadly, for the rest of us, it's a drawn-out car wreck that loses its rubbernecking appeal halfway through.

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