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The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years

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

  • 80% of critics liked it
    (5 reviews)

  • 79% of users liked it
    (2,783 ratings)

Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons, and Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Steven Tyler are among the Heavy Metal artists interviewed in The Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years. This follow-up to filmmaker Penelope Spheeris' classic 1981 "punk" documentary The Decline of Western… More

R,
Directed By
Genres
Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1988 Wide

Critic Reviews

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    There's so little respect for the music that we never see or hear a number from beginning to end, and we rarely hear any of the musicians speak more than a few seconds at a time.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    For all the amusingly fatuous remarks heard here -- and Miss Spheeris has a great ear for these -- the overriding dimness of most of the fans and musicians is frightening.

  • , Time Out

    Rather like watching a car wreck on the opposite side of a motorway.

  • , Film4

    Fascinating.

  • , TV Guide's Movie Guide

    This is a well-made, observant documentary, with attitude to spare and plenty of justifiable laughs at the expense of its subjects.

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • AJ V


    A very interesting documentary and capture of the life of metalheads in the late 80s. I was really looking to watch the first part, but I loved seeing all the great bands in this movie. It wasn't as funny as I heard it was, but it was interesting, as I said.

  • xGary X


    I grew up with metal, and I have a real soft spot for this documentary...it's hilarious! It's EXACTLY like This Is Spinal Tap...but it's REAL!! THESE PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY SERIOUS! Comedy genius!

  • Lee K


    Pretty good rockumentary, that features alot of my favorite hair bands back in the day with an awesome soundtrack. Watch for a very very drunk Chris Holmes (w.a.s.p.) and a special breakfast interview with Ozzy. worth a look for any headbanger.

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Cast

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