Metallica Through the Never

A lot of sweaty men yell and scream in pleasure during the “IMAX 3D experience” Metallica: Through the Never. Dozens of cameras capture the elaborate, fantastical goings on during a Metallica concert, as the band rattles through their hits in front of thousands of jubilant thirty-somethings. Interspersed throughout is a narrative about a young roadie's magical quest to find some vitally important MacGuffin for the band amidst a rioting city filled with murderous background extras. The plots converge in a ridiculous display of rock 'n' roll's supernatural power or something. The dramatic scenes never amount to much, but it does break up the concert footage, carrying things along smoothly. Director Nimród Antal perhaps doesn't focus enough on Metallica's personableness, though the band's stage presence and talents are never hidden. If you absolutely hate Metallica, you might still find yourself enjoying the pure spectacle of the loud, very loud, Through the Never. —Jacob Boon