The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Penelope Spheeris

Release Date:

24 August 1989 (Australia)

Genre:

Documentary | Music

Tagline:

It's more than music...it's a way of life.

Plot Keywords:

Second Part | Sequel | Heavy Metal | Independent Film

Cast

Steven Tyler	...	Himself
Joe Perry	...	Himself
Alice Cooper	...	Himself
Gene Simmons	...	Himself
Paul Stanley	...	Himself
Lemmy	...	Himself
Ozzy Osbourne	...	Himself
Bobby Dall	...	Himself (Poison bassist)
Bret Michaels	...	Himself (Poison vocalist)
Rikki Rockett	...	Himself (Poison drummer)
Joey Scott Harges	...	Himself
Gene Allen	...	Himself
Mychal Davis	...	Himself
J. Holmes	...	Himself
Mark Michals	...	Himself

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:R

Trivia:

In a 1999 interview, director Penelope Spheeris confessed that Ozzy Osbourne's orange juice pouring scene was faked, as some viewers suspected. The particular scene of the orange juice missing the glass was filmed at a different time and inserted into the clip.

Quotes:

Lemmy: If you think you got what it takes, shove it out, run it up the flagpole and see who salutes it.

Movie Connections:

References "Batman" (1966)

Captivating.

A rock documentary ranging from interviews with seen-it-all veterans such as Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons, Steven Tyler, to the up-and-comers of the era such as Faster Pussycat, Poison, and London. A revealing and fascinating chronicle on the 1980s scene of excess.

In retrospect, the film is actually funny in spots. Newbies such as London, Odin, and Seduce were quoted as saying "I will make it as a rock star" when asked what will happen if they don't make it. "We WILL make it." Amusing that they disappeared forever just months after this movie (and those statements) was made.

*** out of ****. Out of print and tough to find, but well worth the effort.

MPAA: Rated R for graphic, pervasive language and brief nudity.