Before making crap comedies, Penelope Spheeris unearthed the facade of heavy metal in this absorbing look into the burgeoning growth of dream-seekers in LA(among other places of venue such as London and Detroit)rock scene. We hear from many well-known rock stars from such great bands as Aerosmith, Kiss, Ozzy, and Alice Cooper. But, it's those who we not expect that really impress(at least, me)the most. Particularly Dave Mustaine of Megadeth & Lemmy from Motorhead(when asked whether or not others should go after the chance to achieve as a rock star, Lemmy replies, "Go for it. Run it up the flag pole and see who salutes it.").
The saddest part of the film is seeing the effects of alcoholism on Chris Holmes of Wasp. Spheeris deserves credit for not ducking away from truthful subjects such as the possibilities of failure, sexual effects that could possibly happen such as Aids, and how alcohol and drugs has absorbed many of their lives. The film also unflinchingly shows the roles of women in the rock scene whether they are trying to make it as rock stars, or as groupies. It's also kind of cool to see bands I listened to as a kid and teenager starting out in the LA scene as virtual pups.
The saddest part of the film is seeing the effects of alcoholism on Chris Holmes of Wasp. Spheeris deserves credit for not ducking away from truthful subjects such as the possibilities of failure, sexual effects that could possibly happen such as Aids, and how alcohol and drugs has absorbed many of their lives. The film also unflinchingly shows the roles of women in the rock scene whether they are trying to make it as rock stars, or as groupies. It's also kind of cool to see bands I listened to as a kid and teenager starting out in the LA scene as virtual pups.