Heavy Trip (2018)

Original Title: Hevi reissu

Directors: Juuso Laatio, Jukka Vidgren

Starring: Johannes Holopainen, Samuli Jaskio, Antti Tuomas Heikkinen

After years of playing songs by other artists, the opportunity of a concert in Norway encourages a metal band to compose their own material, but not before overcoming some unexpected difficulties.

Awesome! ‘Heavy Trip’ put a smile on my face from beginning to end. This is an instant favourite!

Turo is the lead singer of a metal band. His band members are Lotvonen, who plays electric guitar; Jyrki, who is the drummer; and Pasi, who plays bass. They’ve been rehearsing for 12 years and they’ve never done a gig. The towns folk are making fun of Turo, calling him a homo because of his long hair.

Jouni is an established musician. He is egotistical, and also making fun of Turo’s band, referring to them as a “comedy act”. He is trying to get laid by Miia, who works in a florist. But Miia has feelings for Turo, and Turo in turn for her – without them knowing it.

Turo works at a frail care facility, and Lotvonen works at his Dad’s reindeer slaughterhouse. When music promoter Frank Massegrav comes to the slaughterhouse to buy reindeer blood, a barrel containing blood accidentally spills on him. When he drives away outraged, Jyrki runs after him, apologizing and giving him their demo tape.

And this was the start of a series of events that would allow for great character development. When Turo tells Miia they might have a gig at a big Music Festival in Norway, she blurts out to the townsfolk that they have a gig. Almost immediately, everyone respects the band. Only problem is, they don’t have a gig. This sets in motion a hilarious journey as the band tries to secure a gig.

I absolutely loved the casting. The actors portrayed their respective characters to perfection. The acting was natural and believable. With a host of interesting characters, this was an absolute delight! There’s plenty of surprises and unexpected events in store for the viewer. This film is entertaining as hell!

If you enjoy heavy metal, you’ll love the movie even more. Those who don’t enjoy heavy metal might find the film too loud. But stick it out, this is one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a while – and now also rates among my all-time favourite movies. I absolutely loved it!!

In Finnish, English, and Norwegian.

Would I watch it again? For sure!!