Metallica have been one of the biggest bands in the world over the past 20 years and a major pioneer in the development of heavy metal. This documentary shows the members of the band working on what is their latest release "St Anger".

This was a very hard time for the band as they met many challenges with bassist Jason Newstead leaving the band, lead singer James Hetfield going into rehab as well as the legal battles with Napster and the backlash from fans as a result of these.

The film shows the band members working together trying to keep things going in spite of the constant battle of egos between co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich with the aid of therapist Phil Towle. In addition to this there are also excerpts of interviews, live concerts and news reports on the band. There are also a few flashbacks to the days when Cliff Burton was part of the band.

The great thing about this documentary is its honesty. It doesn't try to paint the members as great heroes who can do no wrong. Instead they are shown for who they are, both good points and bad points.

2004 probably won't be a year that goes down in the annals for great Australian films; come to think of it, neither will 2003 2002, 2001 or even 2000. It's hard to think of a year in the last five or six that was good for the local industry. Aside from Somersault, can you remember an Australian film released in 2004? And Saw doesn't count.

Thunderstruck is built around a somewhat ridiculous premise; a pact formed after an Acca Dacca gig in 1991 when a group of mates witness the death of a cab driver. With that tragic event in mind the group pledges that the first of them to die will be buried by the rest of the group next to Bon Scott in Fremantle. Well of course one dies - after being struck by lightning, hence the title Thunderstruck and the group decide to fulfil their pledge, travelling across Australia with their mate's stolen remains, a far from original premise.

The highlight of this road movie for me was the gag at the end of the credits, which really does make this film a worthwhile watch. All in all Thunderstruck is watchable and enjoyable, just don't take it too seriously.