Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

Those expecting insights into the creative process behind global rock brand Metallica or looking for a few Spinal Tap-style laughs at the expense of stadium-sized egos will walk away happy from this curiously affecting rock 'n' roll chronicle. Film-makers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky first met the band while filming a documentary, Paradise Lost: the Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, about three Metallica fans accused of "ritual" murders. But this is no fanboy tribute. The band's ridiculous behaviour is at times hilariously exposed as they struggle to record the album St Anger - unfortunately, not one of their best - amid walkouts, stints in rehab, ego clashes, belly-aching and group therapy sessions. You may not come out of this liking Metallica's music, or even the band members (guitarist Kirk Hammett's claim to be "egoless" sums them up), but it's a pretty decent addition to the rockumentary tradition. Some kind of monster, indeed.