Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

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Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

Released Jan 21, 2004

2h 20m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

121 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.

Critics Consensus

Fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Metallica survives one of their more turbulent periods.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Snippets of the band’s brutally percussive music punctuate the endless encounter sessions, which expose the musicians’ boundless self-absorption...

Jun 29, 2022

Full Review

Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Apr 1, 2006

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Liese Spencer

Independent (UK)

Rated: 4/5

Mar 7, 2005

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Raw docu shows band at a low point; frequent cursing.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 25, 2017

Full Review

Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

A mostly terrific documentary about a mostly terrible album. Despite derisory poor-me whining, it captures fragility and fear in Metallica's questioned relevancy, considered disbandment and the closest things to tears they can muster for each other.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 19, 2010

Full Review

Jay Antani

Cinema Writer

An entertaining and penetrating look at the creative process

Rated: 3/4

Aug 20, 2010

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Devlin E

I LOVE Metallica, PERIOD, EXCLAMATION MARK.!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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James S

It helps you understand why st anger sounded the way they did

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/31/24

Full Review

Matthew R

Great documentary of the best band out there. Unfortunately, it documents a very hard time for the band.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/01/24

Full Review

B. B

For diehard fans, seek out the 2 disc DVD. The bonus content is longer than the movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/10/23

Full Review

Steve s

pissed off and needing to fight everyone/everything -- that is how Metallica grew to success. But now they made it. Everything is awesome for them. It has removed their anger-fueled energy for creative songwriting. They (Lars) discover they are actually "the man" they've been rebelling against as he sues napster. So now They are receiving the rage they usually dish out. There is one moment in the entire show with a spark of their old selves -- when they are supposed to record a radio ad spot. And they hate it and mock it. It's awesome old Metallica rebelling -- and effortlessly riffing on creative mocking lyrics. Dear Metallica -- find an enemy worthy of your anger and write the f*ck outta some powerful metal.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Meant to be a propaganda piece of advertising their newest album. This warts and all documentary is a fascinating look at a band on the brink of coming apart and trying to recapture what made them great in the first place while literally going through counseling together.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

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Joe Berlinger

Director

Bruce Sinofsky

Director

Kirk Hammett

Self

James Hetfield

Self

Dave Mustaine

Self

Jason Newsted

Self

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Synopsis

After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.

Director: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
Producer: Bruce Sinofsky, Joe Berlinger
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Third Eye Motion Picture Company
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 2h 20m
Sound Mix: Surround

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