Interesting follow-up

This was an interesting and entertaining follow-up to the first Decline of Western Civilization documentary, this time focusing on mid-80s metal bands from the LA Sunset Strip. The first film dealt with the hardcore punk scene, and as a result the bands and fans featured tended towards reflexive rebellion and nihilism to the point of self-destruction. The hair metal bands and fans depicted here likewise rejoice in shocking parents and authority figures, but they're much more into hedonism than confronting social injustices or genuine rebellion. The interviews touch briefly upon alcoholism, substance abuse, and the potential risks of promiscuity, but overall this installment has a slightly more optimistic tone compared to the first. Where the punks of the first film struggle without direction, unable to imagine much of a future for themselves, every indie rocker in this movie is absolutely convinced that their big break is just around the corner.