Entertaining rock-documentary on Twisted Sister, who started as an east coast bar band in the mid-1970s, doing covers of songs by glitter rock artists David Bowie and Mott the Hoople, eventually evolving into a headbanger's band with a loyal, passionate following in the New York/Long Island area. While the music may not be to every taste, this film from writer-director Andrew Horn should be seen by any musician thinking of going into the business. Several personal and professional calamities befall the band, key members come and go, record deals fall through, but the core unit soldiered on, eager to get their "Let's have a good time" rock 'n roll message to the masses. Playing gig after gig after gig in the early-1980s, the group was headlining clubs without a record deal--and once they got one, with UK independent label Secret, the company went bankrupt. This is not an easy ride to the top of the pops, this is a sweat-stained story of hard rocking guys clawing their way up the ladder, determined to be recognized by the music industry. Frontman Dee Snider is an eloquent speaker in his older years, and a good storyteller, and yet Twisted Sister's success in the MTV era (saved, surprisingly, for the final minutes of the film) is bittersweet. The band had finally made it...now what? **1/2 from ****
49 Reviews
A Must For SMFs and casual TS fans
mikyb212 December 2014
As a lifelong fan of Twisted Sister I found this film to be among the great rock documentaries. A great combination of information and humor creates an fun and enjoyable view. Plus, unlike many rock documentaries, this film is packed with first person anecdotes and facts straight from the band members, club owners, label reps, and fans. The wealth of stories and personal photos & video is impressive and revelatory. I can't wait to to get the Blu-Ray version!
Now, I am basing my review on a private premiere screening when it was first "completed". But if I have any complaints at all, it would be that the sound could have been bigger and heavier. And some of the editing could have been tightened up on some transition shots. But all in all it's a really enjoyable film about an amazing, hardworking band. Go see it or buy it ASAP. You won't be disappointed...unless you like disco. :-)
Now, I am basing my review on a private premiere screening when it was first "completed". But if I have any complaints at all, it would be that the sound could have been bigger and heavier. And some of the editing could have been tightened up on some transition shots. But all in all it's a really enjoyable film about an amazing, hardworking band. Go see it or buy it ASAP. You won't be disappointed...unless you like disco. :-)
Missing key era
phildunphy8 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sure there is a reason why they couldn't show more around "We're not gonna take it", but having that completely omitted from this means we miss out what launched them to megastardom. Still, a very good documentary about what it takes to make it in a very difficult industry.
Slow rise to fame & success; and then...
Wuchakk13 January 2018
RELEASED IN 2014 and directed by Andrew Horn, "We are Twisted F***ing Sister!" documents Twisted Sister's slow rise to fame from 1972-1983, focusing on their energetic club days in the New York City region, culminating with their first two albums UNDER THE BLADE (1982) and YOU CAN'T STOP ROCK AND ROLL (1983).
Twisted Sister were outrageous (or eye-rolling) with their make-up shtick, but they were one of the most dynamic live bands and, actually, had some great songs, like "Burn in Hell," "The Beast," "Horror-Teria" and "The Price," all from their best and most popular album STAY HUNGRY (1984).
The movie's edited excellently focusing on interviews with numerous band members, managers, agents, club owners, wives (i.e. Suzette Snider), fans, producers, etc. Guitarist Jay Jay French and front man Dee Snider are, to be expected, the focal point of the interviews. There's also a lot of raw footage from these years, the best being their 1982 debut in England opening for Motorhead with Lemmy's (much needed) blessing. Dee learned from years on the club circuit how to engage an audience and demand nothing but the best.
Personally, I'd be more interested in what happened WHEN they were famous for five years and quickly fell out of vogue circa 1983-1987, but that's another movie. This one is compelling and entertaining throughout, despite its length (2 hours 15 minutes). It goes without saying, skip it if you don't like the 'f' word, lol.
GRADE: B+
Twisted Sister were outrageous (or eye-rolling) with their make-up shtick, but they were one of the most dynamic live bands and, actually, had some great songs, like "Burn in Hell," "The Beast," "Horror-Teria" and "The Price," all from their best and most popular album STAY HUNGRY (1984).
The movie's edited excellently focusing on interviews with numerous band members, managers, agents, club owners, wives (i.e. Suzette Snider), fans, producers, etc. Guitarist Jay Jay French and front man Dee Snider are, to be expected, the focal point of the interviews. There's also a lot of raw footage from these years, the best being their 1982 debut in England opening for Motorhead with Lemmy's (much needed) blessing. Dee learned from years on the club circuit how to engage an audience and demand nothing but the best.
Personally, I'd be more interested in what happened WHEN they were famous for five years and quickly fell out of vogue circa 1983-1987, but that's another movie. This one is compelling and entertaining throughout, despite its length (2 hours 15 minutes). It goes without saying, skip it if you don't like the 'f' word, lol.
GRADE: B+
We Are Twisted Fu*king Sister Rocks the Doc!
robag7813 January 2015
This is a must see documentary for the Twisted Sister fan. You know the influence the band eventually had, now you can hear about their beginnings, their raise to notoriety, and everything in-between in a story that is told exceptionally well. Do not expect to see the aftermath of their We're Not Gonna Take It days (no cheesy behind the music shite here), this film is about the band, how they started out, the struggle they endured, and the success that catapulted them into the mainstream. An honest and informative film that long time fans & those discovering them for the first time will wanna rock. Regardless of how much or how little you think you know about the band that came from 70's glam-rock & punk and started the glam-metal genre of the 80's, this is a film you don't want to miss.
Yes we gonna take it!
Emerenciano29 July 2018
I've always liked socumentaries about bands and with this it was not different. This is a great film about this good band that has rocked the world for decades. Their attitude and sound punch the faces of this boring groups and singers we have today.
In here you have not only the songs but good interviews and details about the story of this great group.
Twisted Sister should keep on rocking on!
Twisted Sister should keep on rocking on!
Fantastic movie
markmunro0122 November 2014
I was lucky enough to attend a sneak preview of this movie, and I can only say excellent things about this film.
The movie offers humour and great insight into the 70s music scene in New York.
Twisted Sister's story is a unique one as the band spent almost 10 years working in the club scene in NY trying to get a record deal, and this period of time is quite different from the conventional persona of the band that most people know.
Overall this film is not only enjoyable to Twisted Sister fans, but really to anyone who enjoys a good story.
I highly recommend it!
The movie offers humour and great insight into the 70s music scene in New York.
Twisted Sister's story is a unique one as the band spent almost 10 years working in the club scene in NY trying to get a record deal, and this period of time is quite different from the conventional persona of the band that most people know.
Overall this film is not only enjoyable to Twisted Sister fans, but really to anyone who enjoys a good story.
I highly recommend it!
The real story of Twisted Sister!!!
guyshankland2 June 2015
WE ARE TWISTED F**KIN SISTER !
A Film By Andrew Horn.
I was fifteen years old when I saw my first concert, Twisted Sister, March 25th 1986 Hammersmith Odeon London. The 'Come Out And Play' tour, it changed everything, a door was opened and some three decades later it's still ajar. For me, like so many, TS first came to my attention via the 'Were Not Gonna Take It' and 'I Wanna Rock', singles of the Stay Hungry album. It was (for me) new, angry, anthemic, exciting and bizarre. The now famous promotional video's made them the darlings (for a while) of a new MTV generation. Before the fame, MTV, Atlantic Records and sold out world tours there was the 'Club Daze', ten years of working the nightclubs and bars of the Tri-state area of New York, between 1972-1982. This crowd funded film by Andrew Horn has been made with the bands full approval and co-operation. WATFS concentrates on the bands pre mass fame years 1972-1982, the making of the Twisted Sister. WATFS is not your usual heavy metal/rock band clichéd sex, drugs, divorce, suicide rehab, Bimbo's and TV's out of windows tale.
This is the real world of a hard working band, focused, hungry (stay), on their own struggle to 'make it'. To get a record deal and break out of the confines of the New York area and one day rule the rock world. No stone is left unturned, no detail missed, the stories from past, present and sadly departed members (Drummer AJ Pero unexpectedly passed away earlier this year from a heart condition while on tour with rock band Adrenaline Mob.) are told with a refreshing pride and honesty. The two main interviewees are singer Dee Snider and founding member, guitarist and CEO Jay Jay French. TS is Jay Jay's baby but Snider's child, the two talk openly on their internal battle to seize control of the band. Snider won the song writing, lead vocals, and costume choice, JJ remains the bands pragmatic business brains, historian, and media spokesman. We hear from Journalists, record executives, club owners, promoters, managers, road crew, rival bands and the original hardcore (SMF'S) fans. As an unsigned band they played five nights a week, performing between two and four sets per night. The band performed (at their height) to between three hundred and three thousand fans per night, earning up to ten thousand dollars an evening. T-shirts, posters, stickers and self made seven inch singles were all sold in vast numbers making TS a full time wage paying band. They sold out the New York Palladium in 1979 without a record deal or any real promotion, Three thousand two hundred fans. Even with this manic following they needed to cross the pond to finally get a record deal, of sorts. The UK saved TS then drowned them and saved them again, Sounds music paper, Secret Records, Lemmy and The Tube TV show all gave the band credibility and exposure on a nationwide scale. The band never looked back, high profile live dates mixed with their sheer determination finally paid off. Within two years of getting signed by Atlantic they were to become the multi platinum selling artist they always believed they should and would be. As a music documentary it works a number of levels, you are transported back to the late 70's, the club flyer's, live footage, early band photographs, all draw you back to a much tougher but simpler social media free, time and place. For Twisted Sister fans this is a 'must see', for everyone else a 'you really should see'.
The next chapter also needs to be told, the commercial success, Tipper Gore's PMRC, Senate hearings, Beau Hill, break ups, Dee's other musical projects, 9-11, reunions, The Xmas album!! (my pet hate), their 2016 final ever tour and the tragic loss of AJ Pero.
Play It Loud Mutha!
Guy Shankland
02/06/2015
For more information regarding 'We Are Twisted F**king Sister The Movie', including release dates, screening, trailers etc..please check https://www.facebook.com/TwistedSisterTheMovie
A Film By Andrew Horn.
I was fifteen years old when I saw my first concert, Twisted Sister, March 25th 1986 Hammersmith Odeon London. The 'Come Out And Play' tour, it changed everything, a door was opened and some three decades later it's still ajar. For me, like so many, TS first came to my attention via the 'Were Not Gonna Take It' and 'I Wanna Rock', singles of the Stay Hungry album. It was (for me) new, angry, anthemic, exciting and bizarre. The now famous promotional video's made them the darlings (for a while) of a new MTV generation. Before the fame, MTV, Atlantic Records and sold out world tours there was the 'Club Daze', ten years of working the nightclubs and bars of the Tri-state area of New York, between 1972-1982. This crowd funded film by Andrew Horn has been made with the bands full approval and co-operation. WATFS concentrates on the bands pre mass fame years 1972-1982, the making of the Twisted Sister. WATFS is not your usual heavy metal/rock band clichéd sex, drugs, divorce, suicide rehab, Bimbo's and TV's out of windows tale.
This is the real world of a hard working band, focused, hungry (stay), on their own struggle to 'make it'. To get a record deal and break out of the confines of the New York area and one day rule the rock world. No stone is left unturned, no detail missed, the stories from past, present and sadly departed members (Drummer AJ Pero unexpectedly passed away earlier this year from a heart condition while on tour with rock band Adrenaline Mob.) are told with a refreshing pride and honesty. The two main interviewees are singer Dee Snider and founding member, guitarist and CEO Jay Jay French. TS is Jay Jay's baby but Snider's child, the two talk openly on their internal battle to seize control of the band. Snider won the song writing, lead vocals, and costume choice, JJ remains the bands pragmatic business brains, historian, and media spokesman. We hear from Journalists, record executives, club owners, promoters, managers, road crew, rival bands and the original hardcore (SMF'S) fans. As an unsigned band they played five nights a week, performing between two and four sets per night. The band performed (at their height) to between three hundred and three thousand fans per night, earning up to ten thousand dollars an evening. T-shirts, posters, stickers and self made seven inch singles were all sold in vast numbers making TS a full time wage paying band. They sold out the New York Palladium in 1979 without a record deal or any real promotion, Three thousand two hundred fans. Even with this manic following they needed to cross the pond to finally get a record deal, of sorts. The UK saved TS then drowned them and saved them again, Sounds music paper, Secret Records, Lemmy and The Tube TV show all gave the band credibility and exposure on a nationwide scale. The band never looked back, high profile live dates mixed with their sheer determination finally paid off. Within two years of getting signed by Atlantic they were to become the multi platinum selling artist they always believed they should and would be. As a music documentary it works a number of levels, you are transported back to the late 70's, the club flyer's, live footage, early band photographs, all draw you back to a much tougher but simpler social media free, time and place. For Twisted Sister fans this is a 'must see', for everyone else a 'you really should see'.
The next chapter also needs to be told, the commercial success, Tipper Gore's PMRC, Senate hearings, Beau Hill, break ups, Dee's other musical projects, 9-11, reunions, The Xmas album!! (my pet hate), their 2016 final ever tour and the tragic loss of AJ Pero.
Play It Loud Mutha!
Guy Shankland
02/06/2015
For more information regarding 'We Are Twisted F**king Sister The Movie', including release dates, screening, trailers etc..please check https://www.facebook.com/TwistedSisterTheMovie
Now The World Will Finally Know!
Doin20015 December 2014
NEWS FLASH! There was a Twisted Sister before 1984 & they were a ferocious Rock & Roll machine that dominated the New York Tri-state area club circuit, while destroying everything in its path including Disco. "We Are Twisted F*cking Sister!" has taken the long & grinding road, just like the featured subject, but instead of 5 guys slugging it out nightly in the clubs, you have one determined film maker believing in their story named Andrew Horn. The film documents the beginnings, as founding member Jay Jay French & his band Silver Star, a Glam Rock cover act, which would eventually morph into Twisted Sister in early 1973. It is evident from the beginning that Mr. Horn has done his "homework," as the documentation of the history of the band will have the die-hard fan (SMF) contemplating their so called knowledge & have the average movie goer completely intrigued by the story
.and what a story it is! This is not your average "Love Affair" of a documentary, which is breath of fresh air, as there are no "stars" convincing the audience why Twisted Sister was the greatest band, instead the film maker opted to have commentary from band members, club owners, record company executives and fans
.which I might add, came off much more interesting & sincere. If you are looking for the typical cliché of Sex, Drugs & Rock 'N Roll, you can stop right here. For the most part, Twisted Sister was a sober band and would have to be, in order to keep up with their grueling schedule that kept them in the Clubs & Bars for nearly 10 years
.That's right, 10 years! Mr. Horn cleverly mixes a lot of "Twisted Comedy," in with the ongoing struggle for that elusive Record Deal. New York was a very dangerous & different place the years Twisted Sister reigned over the club circuit in Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey & Connecticut and is evident by the stories and great raw footage of the band during the 70's & 80's. The film maker does an outstanding job of smashing down any preconceived notions one may have or thought that the band was just some joke and overnight sensation. The documented history & stories will have you walking away believing that Twisted Sister could quiet possibly be the toughest & hardest working band that Rock 'N Roll has ever seen, while really driving home the point that you should never give up on what you believe in, no matter what
.and that is the underlying theme of the movie! The movie clocks in just over 2 hours, but honestly I was in such a "zone," while watching it, that I really didn't even notice the time. Finally, when Twisted Sister is signed to Atlantic Records in 1983 that is where the movie ends
..I hope that the film will eventually be released around the world for everybody to see, because it's not just a movie for fans, it's a movie for everyone.
Rock band rises to stardom.
fannanman24 November 2014
If you have ever wondered how a band goes from the garage to Hammerstein Ballroom this documentary about Twisted Sister is the answer. The answer isn't always pretty and as glamorous as we might imagine. Good luck, bad luck and a total dedication to a dream of being heavy metal rockers with a recording contract is the essence of this film. The documentary is well worth the ride. Reflective conversation with current and former members of the band, managers, club owners, record producers and fans makes up the majority of the film. This is not a story of wild outrageous drug use and sex that are associated with most rock bands. This is a story about kids with a dream who made it to the top and back to the bottom and not only lived to tell the tale but still perform today with the same enthusiasm and passion as they did at their peak in the 1980's.
Prepare yourself for the greatest rock n' roll story you've never heard!
armadilloroadreport11 January 2015
Unsuspecting movie-goers will be fascinated—Twisted Sister fans will be in absolute ecstasy. "We Are Twisted F*cking Sister!" is more than a simple story about a bar band clawing their way to the top. It is a documentary about the true and motivational story of 80's heavy metal sensation, Twisted Sister, a group of musicians who never gave up, never gave in, and never took any crap from anyone, anywhere, at anytime. An incredible tale that will inspire artists everywhere to never give up on their dreams. Even if you've never heard of Twisted Sister, you will be entertained and engaged as Andrew Horn's documentary takes you on a mesmerizing journey back into rock n' roll clubs in the 1970's
before they were famous.
Unlike many other "rockumentaries," this one is the work of an independent film maker, who gives us not only the perspective from the band, but a view from the fans, the families, the managers and the club owners and even the record executives. Unlike the glossy and packaged Twisted Sister of the mid-80's, Horn's film dares to bring us into the dark, loud and raw world of the tri-state bar scene. We get to see rare footage of Twisted Sister as we were meant to experience them—shocking, outrageous and gritty.
Whether you loved them or hated them, "We Are Twisted F*cking Sister!" will inspire you with an incredible story of perseverance, coupled with the beautiful love story of lead singer Dee Snider and his wife Suzette. If you like Twisted Sister, you will absolutely love this movie. And if you didn't like Twisted Sister before, prepare yourself to become a fan! (rated a 9/10 because I wanted more music!)
Unlike many other "rockumentaries," this one is the work of an independent film maker, who gives us not only the perspective from the band, but a view from the fans, the families, the managers and the club owners and even the record executives. Unlike the glossy and packaged Twisted Sister of the mid-80's, Horn's film dares to bring us into the dark, loud and raw world of the tri-state bar scene. We get to see rare footage of Twisted Sister as we were meant to experience them—shocking, outrageous and gritty.
Whether you loved them or hated them, "We Are Twisted F*cking Sister!" will inspire you with an incredible story of perseverance, coupled with the beautiful love story of lead singer Dee Snider and his wife Suzette. If you like Twisted Sister, you will absolutely love this movie. And if you didn't like Twisted Sister before, prepare yourself to become a fan! (rated a 9/10 because I wanted more music!)
More than just another "Rockumentary"!
brandyinxx28 November 2014
Great storytelling, awesome interviews. I especially love how this is a "Rockumentary" only on the surface, but underneath there is a story about generally having no chance in life, constantly being told you're worthless and dumb and that you'll never make it, and what you believe in is stupid, AND THEN overcoming all the obstacles in life, and believing in yourself and in what you do, and ultimately giving the whole world the finger! I love that. That's exactly what's driving people who have a true calling and passion. So I love this movie as a Rock'n'Roll movie, and even more as a success story that no one could foresee. Awesome!
Extremely Good, honest look at this band
jason-7-86873921 November 2014
I was one of the people who helped fund the movie and thus got to see it with the band several months ago. I have been a Twisted fan since I was a kid but since I'm much younger than the band or the people in this movie, almost all of it was new information to me.
The movie does a superb job of chronicling the bands first 10 years and I would say that the only negative is that maybe there were a few too many stories from fans. I'm sure it's a thrill for them, but it got a touch old.
Even if you're not a Twisted Sister fan, even if you're not a musician - this is a fascinating look into what it really means to develop and break a band.
The movie does a superb job of chronicling the bands first 10 years and I would say that the only negative is that maybe there were a few too many stories from fans. I'm sure it's a thrill for them, but it got a touch old.
Even if you're not a Twisted Sister fan, even if you're not a musician - this is a fascinating look into what it really means to develop and break a band.
Sometimes, the underdogs win.
mikeysdaddy15 November 2015
I'll admit to possibly being a little biased, having grown up watching this band and their struggles.
With that said, this movie works very well on two levels...
-the ultimate underdog band stays true to their vision and finally breaks through. Critics be Damned, record company execs be Damned, this band would not compromise. In 2015, a band with this kind of following would be signed in a heartbeat. In 1977, it was a whole different story. Their perseverance was, and still is, inspiring.
-above and beyond the band and their battle with the music industry, this is truly an underdog story. After years of having the rug pulled out from under them, victory was finally achieved.
With that said, this movie works very well on two levels...
-the ultimate underdog band stays true to their vision and finally breaks through. Critics be Damned, record company execs be Damned, this band would not compromise. In 2015, a band with this kind of following would be signed in a heartbeat. In 1977, it was a whole different story. Their perseverance was, and still is, inspiring.
-above and beyond the band and their battle with the music industry, this is truly an underdog story. After years of having the rug pulled out from under them, victory was finally achieved.
Good Evening! Welcom To Our Show!
rkdoekhi3 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
(continuous guitar riff) (Dee Snider Shouting) GOOD EVENING! WELCOME TO OUR SHOW! IF YOU GOT THAT PROBLEM YEAH....WELL I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.... One would recognize this as the intro to the song What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You) as well as the famous intro to almost all concerts of the legendary Twisted Sister and even more legendary Dee Snider, the main vocalist of Twisted Sister, one of the, or probably, the best front-man in Rock and Heavy Metal music As a kid I listened to NWOBHM bands (if you don't know what NWOBHM means, Dee would publicly address you right away and yell "Get the F*** Out! So better stop reading now!) and upcoming San Francisco Bay Area Thrash bands. I wasn't too much into glamor, and hair bands except for KISS. Then I came across the EP I AM (I'm ME) with live versions of Tear It Loose, Destroyer and It's Only Rock 'N Roll (But I Like It)...I was blasted away, flabbergasted and left for dead behind my turntable. And so started a long and prosperous (live and on CD) relationship with TS. Up to the point where I lost track of the band and legend became a part of my Heavy Metal history.
So, now somewhat years later with the introduction of social media I got back into following Dee Snider and TS on Twitter and Facebook. TS did some major festivals in The Netherlands and Belgium and they didn't lost too much of the dynamics from the early days live on stage. Twisted Sister Live At Wacken The Reunion is proof of one hell of a return on a major stage!
So now the Twisted Sister documentary was announced and the waiting began. As to my surprise and excitement the world premiere would be in Amsterdam at the IDFA Festival on November 23rd 2014 and Jay Jay French and the director Andrew Horn would be there too, how awesome is that! What I didn't know, and I assume a lot of fans outside the New York area didn't, was the hard and long way TS took to get to where the wanted to be, the biggest and rawest bad ass band in the world. The documentary is about that hard and long struggle to become a huge record selling band. There is a lot of tales to tell and Jay Jay and Dee Snider are very willing to tell it. Their storytelling is humorous as it is fascinating and authentic. It gives you a glimpse of a the person behind the icons Dee Snider and Jay Jay French. The director and his team had lots of early days video material from the TS archives, which gives you an interesting look on how the club days were, and more interestingly how much of an organizer Jay Jay was/ is. In those days he did all the work which is normally divided over 3 roles (guitarist, manager, tour manager) in a 4 to 6 days a week performing band! As an amateur musician I can only have the utter respect for the man. The most positive message of the movie that struck me the most was the determination of three people in this story; of course Jay Jay and Dee, but also the former CEO of Atlantic Records, who's name I can't recall, deserves to be mentioned at the least. This guy, not a CEO yet, believed in TS where other so called visionary record label managers said to go and F*** yourself when given a heads up, again and again, on this new band Twisted Sister who had sold out this major club downtown Manhattan. It even came to a point where this guy spoiled his credits with the CEO at the time. The CEO got very angry every time this guy even mentioned TS. To me it is a demonstration of having a vision on something, the determination of getting the result and really holding the believe it can be successful.
The movie is like I mentioned entertaining and humorous. The storytelling is great. One thing of criticism is the what abruptly ending of the movie. I'd recommend this documentary to anyone with interest in Rock and Heavy Metal music, or just like to see a great documentary. I would give a All Hail To Andrew and his team for this film and of course to Jay Jay French, A.J. Pero, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda and last but certainly not least: All Hail To Dee!
So, now somewhat years later with the introduction of social media I got back into following Dee Snider and TS on Twitter and Facebook. TS did some major festivals in The Netherlands and Belgium and they didn't lost too much of the dynamics from the early days live on stage. Twisted Sister Live At Wacken The Reunion is proof of one hell of a return on a major stage!
So now the Twisted Sister documentary was announced and the waiting began. As to my surprise and excitement the world premiere would be in Amsterdam at the IDFA Festival on November 23rd 2014 and Jay Jay French and the director Andrew Horn would be there too, how awesome is that! What I didn't know, and I assume a lot of fans outside the New York area didn't, was the hard and long way TS took to get to where the wanted to be, the biggest and rawest bad ass band in the world. The documentary is about that hard and long struggle to become a huge record selling band. There is a lot of tales to tell and Jay Jay and Dee Snider are very willing to tell it. Their storytelling is humorous as it is fascinating and authentic. It gives you a glimpse of a the person behind the icons Dee Snider and Jay Jay French. The director and his team had lots of early days video material from the TS archives, which gives you an interesting look on how the club days were, and more interestingly how much of an organizer Jay Jay was/ is. In those days he did all the work which is normally divided over 3 roles (guitarist, manager, tour manager) in a 4 to 6 days a week performing band! As an amateur musician I can only have the utter respect for the man. The most positive message of the movie that struck me the most was the determination of three people in this story; of course Jay Jay and Dee, but also the former CEO of Atlantic Records, who's name I can't recall, deserves to be mentioned at the least. This guy, not a CEO yet, believed in TS where other so called visionary record label managers said to go and F*** yourself when given a heads up, again and again, on this new band Twisted Sister who had sold out this major club downtown Manhattan. It even came to a point where this guy spoiled his credits with the CEO at the time. The CEO got very angry every time this guy even mentioned TS. To me it is a demonstration of having a vision on something, the determination of getting the result and really holding the believe it can be successful.
The movie is like I mentioned entertaining and humorous. The storytelling is great. One thing of criticism is the what abruptly ending of the movie. I'd recommend this documentary to anyone with interest in Rock and Heavy Metal music, or just like to see a great documentary. I would give a All Hail To Andrew and his team for this film and of course to Jay Jay French, A.J. Pero, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda and last but certainly not least: All Hail To Dee!
Awesome Documentary
nyyankslr21 November 2014
As one of the lucky viewers of the screening, I can only praise this documentary. Andrew Horn captured so many great moments showing the starting of Twisted Sister. Well done in every aspect. Hearing true stories from the band members themselves really let you into their lives and what they had to overcome to become Twisted Sister. You will hear things you didn't know about the band and how they got started. You will laugh and you will leave wanting more. A true story of how sticking together and fighting for what you want, eventually, gets you what you want. A must see for every Twisted fan! An over-all excellent documentary.
The best documentary i have ever seen.
acesarea5112 January 2015
This movie is absolutely the best. Whether or not you like heavy metal or even Twisted Sister themselves, this is not a movie to miss. As Twisted Sister was the band that brought me into heavy metal, I was really happy to see this film. Everything you wanted to know about TS and maybe some things you did not want to know is right here. ;-) This is a movie about a journey and a non stop fight for success. It is as inspirational as it is funny it is Twisted 'Fucking' Sister in all their glory. It would be virtually impossible to tell you everything in the film that makes it worth seeing without giving away the juicy bits. But don't take my word for it, go and see for yourself. You will be glad ye did. It is worth the time and money to see. do not be a loser, go and see this movie. Trust me, you will thank me later. :-)
If your a fan of rock n roll or film you will love it, if your a fan of Twisted Sister it will blow your mind!!
richard-194-39131024 December 2014
I was lucky enough to see this is NYC after being a lifelong fan since Twisted Sister hit the UK in the early 80's. However, I was not lucky enough to see their journey to hitting the BIG time so could not wait to see the back story to how it all happened. Andy Horn's film beautifully tells the story from every aspect; Band Members, Roadies, Managers, promoters, music exec's and even fans. It is a great story of what it took to get to the final line-up and tells many humorous tales of what happened before, during and after the shows before the band finally made it.
Highly recommended to any fan, film buff or anyone that just loves a great story.
GO SEE :-)
Hopefully there will be "Twisted Sister, the next chapter" coming to a cinema near you soon!
Highly recommended to any fan, film buff or anyone that just loves a great story.
GO SEE :-)
Hopefully there will be "Twisted Sister, the next chapter" coming to a cinema near you soon!
It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll!
planktonrules2 May 2016
I was very surprised by this documentary about the metal group Twisted Sister. Even though it's two hours long (a hefty length for a rock documentary), it actually only goes up to their record contract and stardom...and then a few sentences pop up on the screen to give you a VERY, VERY abbreviated overview of their careers since achieving stardom! And, it ends with saying that all this is "...a story for another movie" and could easily constitute another film. After all, the film never mentions how videos made them stars with "We're Not Gonna Take It", how the band floundered after their first album, Dee Snider's fight with Tipper Gore, anything about their careers during the 90s, the recent death of one of their members and their wonderful Christmas album! That's a lot of stuff not covered!
So what IS the film about? Well, it's about the extremely long road to a real record contract. Despite being one of the most famous stage acts of the day, without the contract and widespread releases of their music, they'd always be just a local band. This film is about this long, long process as well as how the band started and evolved over the years. It's all told through interviews with the various members, ex-members, friends, fans and industry insiders...as well as with a surprising number of color films of their early performances.
All in all, for fans of Twisted Sister, it is THE film to watch...and still impressive and enjoyable if you aren't a fan. Well constructed and well worth seeing...and far better and more detailed than you might expect from a rock documentary.
So what IS the film about? Well, it's about the extremely long road to a real record contract. Despite being one of the most famous stage acts of the day, without the contract and widespread releases of their music, they'd always be just a local band. This film is about this long, long process as well as how the band started and evolved over the years. It's all told through interviews with the various members, ex-members, friends, fans and industry insiders...as well as with a surprising number of color films of their early performances.
All in all, for fans of Twisted Sister, it is THE film to watch...and still impressive and enjoyable if you aren't a fan. Well constructed and well worth seeing...and far better and more detailed than you might expect from a rock documentary.
The epic story of an even greater band
wolfgrin-349267 May 2016
Andrew Horn captures the frustration, anger, and dark humor of the hardest working band in rock 'n' roll. For close to 10 years, Twisted Sister drew record crowd numbers (Palladium, Adventure's Inn, Palladium again) and couldn't seem to get the attention of the music industry. The Spinal Tapesque journey of Twisted through opportunities that became victories that just as quickly turned to ash is inspiring and a lesson on how to keep working until your goals are reached. No matter what. Never quit. Never Surrender. Take on every challenge and destroy it while entertaining millions. Easily one of the best rockumentaries ever filmed. Shite! Easily one of the best movies ever filmed!
Reading Rock 1982
twistedchigster29 June 2016
As an avid reader of Kerrang magazine at the age of 17 i came across a picture and review of twisted sister and liked what i saw and read.The chance to attend the Reading festival arrived and who was on Twisted Sister.On the Sunday i found out what stage they were on and secured my spot and the rest is my SMF history.In the crowd close to the front dodging bottles just added to the intensity.I became an SMF that day and swallowed up all i could find about the band but being in lil ol England and there being no internet or youtube knowledge of anything before was almost impossible to find and that is why this film is so important to us so we can find out about the origins of one of the greatest live bands ever to grace a stage.The talk of past members in depth all new stuff and what it was like playing in the clubs well iwas lucky enough to witness Sister at the Metro in Ashton Manchester probably smaller than some of the shows they were playing at this time.This film is a great documentary of a time before things started to move into the big time and its great every SMF should watch and watch LOUD.
Surprised! One of the best rock-docs ever!
kielyb9 May 2016
I've never been a fan, so really didn't know too much of the band going into it, but all I can say is "wow"! This band has an incredible story, and all before they became MTV-famous in '83. Starting early in the 70's, this documentary delivers first-hand accounts from the band members, fans, club-owners, promoters, DJ's, etc. about the east coast rock-scene, and life as it was for a working rock band. Also a terrific array of archival footage, which just brings the era to life even more. The UK broadcast where Lemmy was called on stage to support was awesome! Very well produced.
Two thumbs up for anyone who likes rock music and an honest-to-goodness underdog story.
Brandon
Two thumbs up for anyone who likes rock music and an honest-to-goodness underdog story.
Brandon
definitely a must see
modifieddevice24 May 2016
I just watched the movie and all I can say is that was the best damned movie I have watched this year!!!
The Bands early history up to the signing with Atlantic shows the real struggle of becoming a successful rock/metal group,new respect and love for a band I have listened to for 36 years.
I am not really good at writing reviews that are critical or analytical I just know what I watched was a masterpiece of how the Rock industry rolls and how it tried its' best to chew up a band that carried an anthem for generations to come. I loved TFS before I watched this movie but after watching I would follow them to the ends of the Earth,alas this is their final year and tour and this movie will stand as their legacy of greatness for all times.10/10
The Bands early history up to the signing with Atlantic shows the real struggle of becoming a successful rock/metal group,new respect and love for a band I have listened to for 36 years.
I am not really good at writing reviews that are critical or analytical I just know what I watched was a masterpiece of how the Rock industry rolls and how it tried its' best to chew up a band that carried an anthem for generations to come. I loved TFS before I watched this movie but after watching I would follow them to the ends of the Earth,alas this is their final year and tour and this movie will stand as their legacy of greatness for all times.10/10
Once an SMF always an SMF.
fumble-4081319 December 2015
As a fan anyway i was so looking forward to this, loads of unseen clips and interviews telling the story from the beginning. Doesn,t disappoint and is a very worthwhile watch for anybody showing that hard work does pay off.
Some of us fans from the other side of the pond did,t get the chance to see the Club Daze so its a pleasure to see. Very well written and interviews from Fans, Crew and Band give you an insight how Twisted Sister were never the " overnight " sensation some thought.
As they say " if it was easy, everyone would be doing it "
Loved it.
Some of us fans from the other side of the pond did,t get the chance to see the Club Daze so its a pleasure to see. Very well written and interviews from Fans, Crew and Band give you an insight how Twisted Sister were never the " overnight " sensation some thought.
As they say " if it was easy, everyone would be doing it "
Loved it.
A must see for all fans
dludlow-793814 July 2016
A must see for twisted sister fans everywhere ... Having watched the movie 3 times now i am still intrigued with the early days of sister ... Some fantastic footage and old pictures the movie gets you hooked in from the first second to the last ... you will laugh you will smile you will cry ..
The struggles the band went through is amazing and tours on the circuit back in the time giving there all playing 5 nights a week wanting to be the best and ultimately becoming the best ... From disco sucks tearing up clubs to beer gong shows to postponed shows to going overseas having stuff thrown at them including .. i still don't know how... you will be surprised. .
standing up for the band and what they are and yelling at crowds gaining respect to wiping make up off telling the crowd to give em a shot to nearly signing a recording deal only to have it torn apart ..it gets you on the edge of your seat and even at one stage i was fist pumping the air ...
The movie has some of the fans talking about some early day shows and there memories ...
This movie is for all and makes you feel part of it . And we are all part of twisted sister SMF's every single one of us for believing in such a band and a band believing in its fans .. The joy i got when finally broke through to Atlantic records And twisted sister became famous and the best ALL OVER THE WORLD ..
I have never seen sister live but are renowned for there shows and give there all ... The movie shows they gave there all every time they went on stage... I AM AN SMF ... and after seeing this movie more proud of it than ever Play it loud .
The struggles the band went through is amazing and tours on the circuit back in the time giving there all playing 5 nights a week wanting to be the best and ultimately becoming the best ... From disco sucks tearing up clubs to beer gong shows to postponed shows to going overseas having stuff thrown at them including .. i still don't know how... you will be surprised. .
standing up for the band and what they are and yelling at crowds gaining respect to wiping make up off telling the crowd to give em a shot to nearly signing a recording deal only to have it torn apart ..it gets you on the edge of your seat and even at one stage i was fist pumping the air ...
The movie has some of the fans talking about some early day shows and there memories ...
This movie is for all and makes you feel part of it . And we are all part of twisted sister SMF's every single one of us for believing in such a band and a band believing in its fans .. The joy i got when finally broke through to Atlantic records And twisted sister became famous and the best ALL OVER THE WORLD ..
I have never seen sister live but are renowned for there shows and give there all ... The movie shows they gave there all every time they went on stage... I AM AN SMF ... and after seeing this movie more proud of it than ever Play it loud .
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