Review - Hate to Love: Nickelback
Directed by: Lee Brooks
Written by: Lee Brooks
Starring: Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Daniel Adair
Running Time: 90 minutes
Rating: 2.5/5
Director Lee Brooks, known for his work on The Sound of Scars and Terrorvision: Wired Up and Scary, brings forth the intriguing tale of arguably the most reviled band in recent memory. In his documentary, Brooks offers audiences an intimate glimpse into the enigmatic journey of Nickelback, shedding light on the forces that propelled them from obscurity to chart-topping stardom, and ultimately, onto the infamous list of music's most maligned acts.
This cinematic endeavor, six years in the making, was, as Brooks and his producer Ben Jones candidly revealed during their post-film Q&A session, never originally conceived as the comprehensive final product that it became. Initially, it was meant to provide coverage for a routine album release. However, it organically evolved into a feature-length documentary that meticulously delved into the backgrounds of each band member, unravelling their individual stories and origins.
The documentary's first half bears a striking resemblance to the vintage VH1 Behind the Music episodes of the 90s and 2000s. While it is undeniably fascinating to witness the band's humble beginnings in the small town of Hanna, Alberta, this section occasionally feels more like a condensed summary or greatest hits compilation. The narrative predominantly revolves around the band's rise and the subsequent fluctuations in their popularity. It's only in the latter half of the documentary that the audience begins to grasp the profound impact of the relentless hatred, memes, and vitriol that have been directed towards the band, and how this sustained pressure and negativity have taken their toll.
A fleeting reference is made to the toll this scrutiny took on the band's lead singer, Chad Kroeger, who found himself perpetually cast as the face of Nickelback in the public eye. It's a stark truth, one that deserved more exploration. It becomes evident that not all band members were equally willing to divulge every facet of their journey, leaving certain aspects of the story unexplored.
It's worth noting that, personally, I have a genuine appreciation for Nickelback. I believe they excel at what they set out to accomplish and do so with remarkable talent. These four individuals are undeniably gifted. However, I can't help but wish that the documentary had delved more deeply into the challenges and psychological intricacies that accompany such monumental success, revealing the trials and tribulations that often lurk beneath the surface. In essence, it felt as though the film missed an opportunity to uncover the nuanced complexities of their journey, beyond the spotlight of their musical prowess.
