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Plot Summary
Based on the fantastical illustrated magazine Heavy Metal, producer Ivan Reitman enlists the help of some of Hollywood's animation masters to create the otherworldly tale of a glowing green orb from outer space that spreads destruction throughout the galaxy. Only when encountered by its one true enemy, to whom it is inexplicably drawn, will goodness prevail throughout the universe. Richly and lavishly drawn, the vignettes of the orb's dark victories include the character voices of John Candy, Harold Ramis and a pounding soundtrack by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Donald Fagen, Don Felder, Grand Funk Railroad, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Nazareth, Stevie Nicks, Riggs, and Trust. Highly imaginative and full of surprising special effects, Heavy Metal set the standard for alternative contemporary animation. An intoxicating experience not to be missed!
Credits
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
56%- Reviews Counted: 27
- Fresh: 15
- Rotten: 12
- Average Rating: 5.6/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: Heavy Metal has been animated with great verve, and scored very well, with music much less ear-splitting than the title would suggest.
Rotten: Initial segments have a boisterous blend of dynamic graphics, intriguing plot premises and sly wit that unfortunately slide gradually downhill.
Fresh: Some of the animation is first-rate, particularly in the more modest comedy segments, and even the heavy set pieces have greater flash and dazzle than anything Ralph Bakshi mustered around the same period.
Rotten: Asked if I wanted to see it again, I figured, why not? I would have remembered if it was really bad. But memory does play tricks.
Customer Reviews
Awesome.
One of the coolest movies ever. Far ahead of its time, this sci-fi rock opera/epic story is based off a long running fantasy/sci-fi art mag called Heavy Metal. These were the first five stories published when the mag was created, set to music by some of the best rock artists ever. It is of an adult nature, so it's not recommended for kids, but if you're a comic, sci-fi or fantasy fan, it's a must watch.
Awesome movie!
Definitely for adults, not children. This movie has stood the test of time. As the the other review said, great sci-fi and fantasy! Incredible music! Don't believe rotten tomatoes, they have no clue. Super entertaining and a great journey!
Clarion Call of a Generation
So I did stare at the Poster for this film, above my drawing table when I was studying film when it was released. Me and just about every aspiring animator/VFX/Filmmaker who would later shape the media of a generation. Is the animation stellar? Heck no, but a lot of it was the first time it was ever being tried in a feature film. This film is where an entire genre of films started. Think of it as a time capsule, it’s contents may not be the greatest but they are where we began
Oh, and turn the volume up to 11 while watching if yo know what is good for you!
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- $12.99
- Genre: Music Feature Films
- Released: 1981
- © 1981 Guardian Trust Company. All Rights Reserved.
Also Available
- Heavy Metal (Music from the Motion Picture)
- Various Artists