Lemmy (2010)

A Disappointing Continuation

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Everything that a rockumentary should be, the story of the highly colourful life and career of a man who has more right than most to claim the title of Rock God, a piece that has been put together with obvious reverence, extensive background research and attention to detail. But this is more than just a parade of talking heads, although that important element is there, the film offers a snap-shot of the great man's life, delivering vignettes that nicely convey Lemmy's influence on many of those who followed in his footsteps. The film offers much to entertain those who are not Motorhead fans and for those not aware of Lemmy's legacy. It is an excellent companion piece to his autobiography White Line Fever, which is to be recommended for those wanting more detail on the subject, but that is not to say that 'Lemmy' does not manage to pack in a good amount of detail itself in tracing the man's origins, nicely cut together with scenes that illustrate his ongoing contribution and relevance to the world of rock music at the age of 67. Much credit to directors Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski.

I caught this movie on VH1 Classic on 11/10 on their build-up to National Metal Day on 11/11/11.First off, I have never been a really big Motorhead fan, I knew Ace of Spades and I knew who Lemmy was because I love hard rock and metal but somehow managed to avoid ever really hearing Motorhead. This movie was a revelation for me.The film Lemmy shows what being a true musician really is like. the long hours on the road, the interviews and fans and shows that there is a guy who truly is living rock n roll. It is an unapologetic and unflinching view of a man who lives for playing music and who makes no excuses for his lifestyle and vices. I for one love how the filmmakers just let you see him interact with fans and to show how much they mean to him and look beyond the black clothes and raspy voice at a guy who really understands how lucky he is to be doing what he loves and what he is truly qualified to do.The movie has great music, and some very good inter-spliced interviews with various artists from Joan Jett to James Hetfield. The film is a character study in the sense that it just let's you watch and see the life of a guy who lives a block from the Sunset Strip in an apartment that he has been in for 20+ years because he knows he couldn't find a better place for the money that he pays that is that close to The Rainbow Room.A few scenes to look for: The recording session with Dave Grohl is fantastic, Not only do you see Lemmy recording Run, Run Rudolph but there is a conversation about Little Richard and a story about The Darkness that is just brilliant.The record store where Lemmy buys the Beatles box set. You see the fan that he is and the effect he has on the employees that can't wipe the grins off of their faces and the manager who gives him her mono copy that is the last one in the store. He is so gracious and respectful and it is actually kinda heart-warming.The gig with Metallica playing Damage Case. What a great performance and so cool to see him rehearsing with guys in their mid-40's and how they look up to him is just awesome.So to sum it all up, if you love rock and roll, if you love metal, if you love Lemmy or you don't know him try it out and I am sure you will come away with an appreciation for a true icon.

The film I felt really captured the essence of who he is what he is about and how he go's about doing what he does. When you watch normal doc's the interviews feel stale and bland, but everyone in this film is almost worshiping at the altar of Lemmy Kilmister and as well they should. It follows a nice flow throughout and does a great job of covering his early career and life up to what he is doing now. A portrait of a every day man who just happens to be an extraordinary musician. If you don't know who he is you should watch this and get to know him a bit. The best part is that none of it get's cheesy and overly sentimental. It's just him and that's it.

"Lemmy" (sub-title: "49% mother@#$%er, 51% son-of-a-@#$%") is an engrossing documentary about the life and times of Motorhead bassist/frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, one of the more unique figures in rock and roll. His band, of course, is legendary, and till now Lemmy has been a rather mysterious figure. He has never been one to seek the spotlight or grab tabloid headlines, and seems content to simply do what he does and remain "under the radar" to everyone but his devoted fan base.The film follows Lemmy around during his day-to-day life (recording sessions for Motorhead's 2007 "MOTORIZER" album, gigs with his '50s/rockabilly side band The Head Cat, appearing on the "Loveline" radio show, and holding down his customary bar stool at Hollywood's Rainbow Bar & Grill) while an extensive parade of rock and showbiz royalty (including such luminaries as Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, Slash and Duff of Guns N Roses, Henry Rollins, Scott Ian of Anthrax, all of the members of Metallica, actor Billy Bob Thornton, tattoo artist Kat Von D, and Marky Ramone, just to name a few) all confirm what most of us knew already: that Lemmy is one of the coolest, most bad-ass rock & roll mo-fo's ever to walk on God's green Earth. Interviews with the man himself reveal him to be a man with rock 'n' roll encoded in his DNA. This is a guy who saw the Beatles live in Liverpool before they even had a record out, who roadied for Jimi Hendrix, and made his mark in the legendary space-rock band Hawkwind before going on to infect the world with Motorhead. Underneath all that, though,he's a pretty simple guy who lives alone in a small Hollywood apartment, doesn't put on airs and doesn't put himself on a pedestal. His vibe seems to be, more or less, "this is me, this is what I do, if you like it, fine...if not, go to hell." A mix of current and vintage Motorhead concert clips keep the volume level up and prove that even after nearly 35 years, Motorhead remain a force to be reckoned with in the live arena. He's a true national treasure.Even if you're not a Motorhead fan (and if you're not, shame on you!) "Lemmy" is a fast, funny, and totally entertaining profile of a man who's definitely a true original.