This flick interviews up and coming glam bands who made their home in the L.A. scene. Also interviewed are some of the genre's idols including Kiss, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Poison, Megadeth, Lemmy from Motorhead and of course, Ozzy. Also, spotlighted performances from bands such as Faster Pussycat, Odin, London (Nikki Sixx's old band), Seduce and Megadeth. The movie's range of topics include groupies, alcoholism, drugs, the glam image and why it attracted so many people from many walks of life. The movie's funniest (and saddest) segment includes filmmaker Penelope Spheeris's attempt to interview a W.A.S.P. guitarist in his pool, drunk as a skunk and with his MOM sitting right there!
Scantily-clad, nearly nude women dance on a stage in a rock club.
Bands and fans talk heavily about sex, both as a music subject and as a hobby
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are interviewed in the company of underwear-clad women.
Occasional flashes of bare breasts.
Prostitution is discussed.
violence
Alice Cooper is interviewed amidst a guillotine set with fake blood.
Interviewees talk about fights and conflicts that they have been in, including attacking police officers. This is primarily relegated to dialogue, and not shown on screen.
A probation officer discussed the (supposed) violent connotations of hard rock and heavy metal, and shows off a number of homemade accessories that could function as weapons.
profanity
Occasional profane song lyrics, including explicit words and sexual content.
A fair amount of all curse words throughout the film, though generally in a more casual manner and not in a threatening tone.
alcohol
Many people in the film regularly smoke and drink. Budweiser beer is seen in many scenes, implying they may have sponsored the film to some degree.
A musician has a guitar with the Budweiser logo on its body.
Chris Holmes is interviewed in his swimming pool, drinking a bottle of vodka. He is clearly intoxicated.
Ozzy Osbourne discusses sobriety and his stay at the Betty Ford Clinic.
frightening
Despite its often sexual and explicit tone, much of the film is fairly lighthearted, with the musicians "being themselves" and answering questions. The level of violence and intensity never approaches that of Spheeris' first "Decline" film. Still, not recommended for children.
Recommended MPAA rating: A light R, for nudity, sexual content, and drug and alcohol use.
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988) Photos
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988) Movie Stars
