Anvil!

This decade was a Golden Age of docs if you ask me. 2009 saw its share of terrific films, but one in particular still resonates with me as not only my favorite documentary this year, but my favorite film, period.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil, recently was the big winner at the International Documentary Association Awards. Canadian musicians and BFFs Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner, have been chasing the dream of music stardom since they were in their teens, but bad decisions and unlucky breaks have plagued them all the way. The film follows their attempts to make a new album, "This is Thirteen" (signifying their 13th album), and finally make it big. Think This Is Spinal Tap, but in real life.

The director, Sacha Gervaci, met Anvil and toured with them when he was a teen, never forgot their determination, and was amazed upon reconnecting with them that they were still at it. The story of how this documentary was made and distributed is a movie in and of itself.

I saw this film back in April to a packed theatre - by the end, I don't think there was anyone who didn't want to personally try to make their dream a reality. I just wanted to give them a hug. The band played their rousing "Metal on Metal" song from their first album live after the screening, and the place went nuts.

Go see this film - it is truly the most uplifting and spirit-raising film, and well on its way to being a doc classic. Here's hoping the next decade of docs is half as good.