Mind you, we haven’t seen the documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil.” Like all popular documentaries (old example “Sicko,” new example “Food Inc.”) and films without explosions, our town of Fresno doesn’t take well to brainy stuff. So we don’t know how the documentary starts or ends.

As the story goes, Anvil was supposed to be as big as Metallica, Whitesnake, or any other of its contemporaries. Instead, the band was delegated to 20 years of broken-down vans and juke joints. It made for a tale of broken dreams, but it also made one of the most critically acclaimed documentaries in recent memory. “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” follows the band members through their first European tour in ages, one that winds up just like all the rest: in disappointment.

The difference is, filmmakers were there and they capture some uplifting moments. The movie ends on a hopeful note – or so we hear. We’d go see the movie in San Francisco or Los Angeles but you can’t leave Fresno without hiring Snake Plissken.

Now Anvil has some whopping good news: the band will open for AC/DC – in football stadiums – on three dates. They play Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., July 28, Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., July 31 and Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick, August 6.

Up until now, the band’s gig has been performing to moviegoers after the documentary is showcased. Which in and of itself will likely be part of the DVD special features.

“We’re really excited about these show, we’ve only heard awesome things about playing in football stadiums,” said the band’s drummer, Robb Reiner. “I was with the Green Day guys last night and they were telling me, ‘Man, it’s probably going to be the gig of your life.’”

Yes, the drummer’s name is Robb Reiner, same as the director of “Spinal Tap.” And, yes, Anvil’s documentary includes a shot of the band visiting Stonehenge.

So, great news for Anvil. Here’s hoping you AC/DC fans will wrap up tailgating early enough to go give these fellas a rousing standing O.

Then again, they’re already namedropping Green Day. You’ve changed, man.

Click here for the Anvil MySpace page.

Click here for the official Web site for the movie “Anvil! The Story of Anvil.”