Review:  Twisted Sister’s early days are the focus of an imperfect but engaging film documentary

There are times when rock documentaries can feel rushed, details and important connective tissue glossed over— not so with “We Are Twisted ... Sister,” directed by Andrew Horn. The two-hour-plus run time gives a wide enough berth for an extensive look at their rise to fame, grinding out gigs as the Tri-State area’s most popular glitter rock bar band in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Horn’s documentary magnifies the early days, saving Twisted Sister’s mainstream success as a story for another film. But the deep dive into the origin story is an illuminating breakdown of how they succeeded in the rock business, amassing a cult following while rocking every bar and tavern on the suburban circuit throughout Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.

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Twisted Sister couldn’t catch a break from the major labels, maligned and written off for their extreme look — a sort of butch glam that preceded the hair metal style of the mid- to late ‘80s.

The film itself is a bit rudimentary, with amateurish titles, and editing choices that bloat the already extended length, but the interviews with band members and fans are insightful and engaging, with archival footage that truly rocks. This one could have taken another turn in the edit bay, but the magnetism and sheer star power of Twisted Sister shine through.

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‘We Are Twisted ... Sister’

No rating

Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Ahrya Fine Arts, Beverly Hills