Hevi reissu

It's not easy for non English language films to acquire cult status, but the Finnish Hevi Reissu ("A Heavy Metal Trip") has as good a chance as any. A cross between "The Full Monty" and "This is Spinal Tap", the themes are about facing your demons, whether asking out the village's prettiest girl or daring to perform in public. Well worn clothes these, but especially the film's first half hour has a enough good gags to bring the house down with laughter.

No serious knowledge of heavy or any other kind of metal is needed to enjoy the inspired lunacy. Even if the jokes slow a bit in the second half, there's still enough wit to carry the film through its increasingly fantastical plot and logical conclusion. Criticism about the ending doesn't resound with this viewer: metal music is about fantasy and myth, well injected here.

Released initially in only a few Finnish cinemas as a late night romp, this film is a joy waiting to be discovered worldwide. Let's hope the subtitlists have talent.