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.

War

Wow.

I finally caught up on all 10 hours of WWII in HD, broadcast on the History Channel. I have always been intrigued by this period in history and what was happening behind the battle scenes and around the world. Drawing on battlefield and archival footage discovered in a multi-year search and converted into high definition, the series provides a gripping account of the realities and horrors of war, and personalizes it by following the stories of 12 servicemen and women.

I couldn't stop watching it.

The footage was primarily broadcast in color, which gave the graphic scenes even more weight. For the first time, I could really understand the breadth of activity and timing of how the war played out across the globe. The series was produced by a family friend, so I am off to send a personal note commending him on such a grand achievement. Plus, a phone call to my father thanking him again for his service during WWII.

Definitely check out at least a part of this stunning documentary series when it is re-broadcast or on DVD.

MJ

I finally caught This Is It, the documentary on Michael Jackson's final months preparing for his aborted comeback concert tour. Sad.

I've spent some of my career watching musical geniuses at work; it's always fascinating and frequently awe-inspiring. No less so watching Jackson work through musical numbers and inspiring others through his art. My favorite part of the film is the development of Thriller 2009 - the concert update (a merging of pre-filmed video with on-stage production) to Michael Jackson's most famous music video.

I mostly feel sorry for all of the young artists and technicians who also committed so much time and energy to the rehearsals without seeing their work and dreams fulfilled. I hope at least they can cherish the time spent interacting with and learning from the King of Pop.

It's too bad that we'll never experience the final concert hurrah of Michael Jackson, but it's comforting and fitting that through the lens of documentary film, we at least have a glimpse at what might have been and a last look at what we've had.

R.I.P. MJ.