Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

XS ROCK

Featured Articles

The Good, The Bad And The Dirt On The Motley Crue Movie

The Good, The Bad And The Dirt On The Motley Crue Movie

On March 22nd, Netflix premiered “The Dirt”, the biopic about the infamous and sordid details of lives of Motley Crue.  Having read the book, I was curious how they were going to fit everything into a two hour movie.  And the truth is, that they didn’t.  Considering the long career and actually quite interesting stories of each band member, it was simply impossible to cover the entire book in this time span.  Having said that, the movie is a collection of the great highlights of the career of one of the biggest rock bands in the world.

Before watching, I was most concerned with the choice of “Machine Gun Kelly”, a notable performer in the rap world playing Tommy Lee didn’t seem like a great fit.  My fears were soon alleviated, as I watched this guy transform into Tommy Lee right before my eyes.  While, the acting was good by every performer, Machine Gun Kelly simply steals the show with an incredible performance.  If you’re a big fan of the Crue, like me, you’re not going to see much in the movie that you didn’t already know, but this movie will be a great introduction to younger folks, who were either too young or not even born when Motley Crue was wreaking havoc on the Sunset Strip and beyond.  So let’s get to down business and talk about what you really want to know….

 

The Good…

As a fan of Motley Crue, I love this movie! It covers the ups and downs of the band members’ lives from the inception of the band until “The End” when Motley Crue signed an agreement to never tour again.  The pace of the movie is quick and there’s never really a boring minute in it.  The Dirt doesn’t always paint the members in a flattering light. In fact in many cases, you might even consider some of it to be cautionary tale of things not to do, if your band hits it big.  But, that’s also a good thing, because realistically, these guys lead a wild life.  Basically, with the exception of Mick Mars, the band were young kids that hit the big time fairly quickly.  If you can imagine turning loose a group of young guys who suddenly have their pick of women, cars, drugs, alcohol and basically anything they want at their disposable, the results are really not that surprising.

The story of the death of Vince Neil‘s daughter Skylar is one of the most heartbreaking parts of the film.  Daniel Webber does an admirable job, reflecting the life of troubled rock star who had it all, lost it all and then came back to reclaim it all again.

Iwan Rheon did a fantastic job as Mick Mars.  Being older than the rest of the band, you get the sense that Mick was often the only adult in the room on many occasions. Touching on his long term illness was an important element as it seemed to interfere in his life, even though he did his best to push it aside.

Douglas Booth as Nikki Sixx took a little time for me accept, as I didn’t see a lot of resemblance in his appearance and that of Nikki’s.  But, his acting was brilliant, and I enjoyed his performance and narration of the events as they occurred.

The inclusion of John Corabi as the singer who replaced Neil, although briefly was a nice addition.  Although it was just for one album, it was important time in the band’s history and ultimately lead to the band reconciling with Vince.

The bottom line is, if you’re a true fan of Motley Crue you’re going to love “The Dirt”! While some will have some problems with omissions, jumbled timelines and a few historical inaccuracies, (which I will cover in the next section) most will look back on the Crue’s life with great memories of wild band that created the soundtrack to their lives.

 

The Bad…

For me, the bad is that it’s simply too short.  The film goes by in a blink of an eye.  Even an additional 30 minutes of running time would have allowed some other interesting parts of their lives to be shown, but I also realize, as with any movie that there’s a budget that has to be met.

I heard a lot of complaints from fans and critics alike about the actor’s wearing bad wigs, Vince’s car not being the accurate model he actually drove on that fatal night, and a lot of complaints about things occurring out of the actual time sequence in which they happened.  So let’s start with the wigs. Yes, the actors are wearing wigs.  I think it would be next to impossible to find actors who not only resembled the band members, but also had naturally long hair.  To me, this is a silly complaint.

Yes. the timeline is inaccurate in a few places throughout the film, but I have to say I wasn’t that bothered by it.  The important thing is that the events actually happened. If their timing in the movie is a little off, I can live with that.  The true order should be reserved for an in depth documentary of the band, which historians would probably appreciate more.

While the car Neil drove on the night he had the car accident is indeed, not accurate, I fail to see how the model of the car really changes the horror of what really happened and seems to be an issue only with those looking to pick the film apart at every turn.

 

The Good, The Bad And The Dirt On The Motley Crue MovieThe Dirt…

This film more than does Motley Crue justice as an important band in rock n’ roll history.  If you grew up in the 80’s, you already know that the band, was that generation’s version of Led Zeppelin, not only in star power, but as much for the wild antics of the band and destructive tendencies.  From the opening scene, you realize that this is not a Disney movie and I would caution those with children to watch the first 15 minutes before you decide if it’s appropriate or not.  There’s plenty of sex, drugs and debauchery to go around. While this is the life the band lived, it’s at time’s hilarious, and brutal and sad in others.  But, that only adds to the fact that the lives of the rich and famous rock stars isn’t always as glamorous, at times,  as many of the fans may think.

Jeff Tremaine did a terrific job as the director of The Dirt and manages to keep your interest with a whirlwind of a movie that ends before you know it.  Fans will love it. Critics will hate it.  This is nothing new for Motley Crue.  After all, they made a career creating incredible music which was loved by an enormous amount of people and panned by most critics. The soundtrack is also excellent,  being made up of what amounts to a greatest hits package with the addition of four newly recorded songs for the film. If you’re a Motley Crue fan, a rock music fan or just curious about the 80’s hard rock scene, I urge you to watch “The Dirt”.  It’s a fantastic journey through time with one of rock n’ roll’s most notorious bands!

 

You May Also Like

Featured Articles

During the 80’s hard rock ruled the airwaves. Quiet Riot’s Metal Health became the first #1 metal album of all time. Soon after the...

Hard Rock & Metal

Recently, I received an advanced release for Josh Todd & The Conflict’s debut album, “Year Of The Tiger”. Most of you probably know Josh...

Featured Articles

For every Motley Crue, Def Leppard, and Van Halen, There were many other bands that were really good, but somehow didn’t quite make it...

Hard Rock & Metal

Britny Fox was formed in 1985 with “Dizzy” Dean Davidson on vocals, former Cinderella drummer Tony Destra, former Cinderella guitarist Michael Kelly Smith and...

Hard Rock & Metal

Formed in 1982 by Tom Keifer and Eric Brittingham, Cinderella was one of the biggest bands of the ’80s rock and metal era.  Following several...

Featured Articles

  Battle Axe – Burn This Town Burn this town? More like burn this album cover! Although, apparently this was only supposed to be...

Christian Rock & Metal

01. Stryper-Stryper has to be at the top of this list. Not because I think they’re the best, but because their contribution to Christian...

Featured Articles

The 1980s and early 90s saw hard rock and heavy metal go mainstream and reach a large audience worldwide. The genre was split into...

Featured Articles

During the 80’s glam and melodic metal ruled the airwaves. For all of the bands that made it big, there were plenty of other...

80s Rock & Pop

The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde Wants Nothing To Do With The Rock Hall of Fame...Even After Being Inducted

80s Rock & Pop

Chrissie Hynde, the vocalist for the Pretenders, took to social media to vent her frustrations with the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame, even...

80s Rock & Pop

Often reclusive rock star Billy Squier has returned with his first new song in 25 years. The new track called “Harder On A Woman”...

80s Rock & Pop

Lionel Richie has announced the tour of a lifetime performing his solo hits on tour along with Earth Wind and Fire. Lionel Richie /...

80s Singer Kenny Loggins (Known For Footloose, Top Gun) Announces Final Tour 80s Singer Kenny Loggins (Known For Footloose, Top Gun) Announces Final Tour

80s Rock & Pop

Kenny Loggins has announced his final concert tour.  The “This Is It” tour will kick off on March 10 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts...

Debbie Gibson Pays Heartwarming Tribute To Her Late Mother Debbie Gibson Pays Heartwarming Tribute To Her Late Mother

80s Rock & Pop

80s Icon Debbie Gibson recently shared this post on her Facebook page in a moving tribute to her Mother: We covered a lot of...

80s Rock & Pop

DURAN DURAN ANNOUNCE 2023 NORTH AMERICAN FUTURE PAST ARENA TOUR. BRITISH ROCK BAND BASTILLE JOIN  NILE RODGERS & CHIC AS SPECIAL GUESTS ON ALL DATES PRE-SALE BEGINS FEBRUARY...

Alternative-Punk-Electronic

U.K. Subs To Release Live Album "Music Machine London 8/8/80"

Alternative / Punk

The UK Subs will release the previously unreleased album Music Machine London 8/8/80 on May 19, 2023. • Vintage live show from the British...

Alternative / Punk

In celebration of 36 years, MY LIFE WITH THE THRILL KILL KULT will hit the road after a four-year hiatus. The “Evil Eye Tour”...

Agnostic Front's Vinnie Stigma Immortalized As New Throbblehead Figure Agnostic Front's Vinnie Stigma Immortalized As New Throbblehead Figure

Alternative / Punk

Vinnie Stigma, the godfather of NYHC and frontman of AGNOSTIC FRONT, has joined the Throbblehead crew. The statue is limited to 500 numbered units,...

White Stripes Releases 20th Anniversary Edition Of Elephant Album Deluxe Edition White Stripes Releases 20th Anniversary Edition Of Elephant Album Deluxe Edition

Alternative / Punk

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of Elephant, The White Stripes are celebrating with two special releases! Largely recorded over two weeks in April...

Watch Brand New Killing Joke Video For "Full Spectrum Dominance" Watch Brand New Killing Joke Video For "Full Spectrum Dominance"

Alternative / Punk

KILLING JOKE are proud to announce the release of brand new single, “Full Spectrum Dominance”, via Spinefarm, to celebrate their sold-out headline show at London’s...

Alternative / Punk

Hot on the heels of his politically-charged radio single “Head On A Stick”, Sex Pistols bassist and Rock Hall Of Fame inductee Glen Matlock has today released...

Rock News

Pink Floyd Release 50th Anniversary Dark Side Of The Moon Deluxe Box Set

Rock

Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a deluxe box set to commemorate one of the best-selling...

Laura Cox Delivers Knockout Blow with New Album “Head Above Water” Laura Cox Delivers Knockout Blow with New Album “Head Above Water”

Music Reviews

Laura Cox has been blazing a trail on the French and European rock/blues scene over the past 11 years, but she has been largely...

Rock

Considered by many to be one of the best rock guitarists of all time, Beck died peacefully after a short battle with bacterial meningitis....

2 Must-Have Jimi Hendrix Releases 2 Must-Have Jimi Hendrix Releases

Rock

Jimi Hendrix — Burning Desire On these studio recordings with bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles in the wake of the dissolution of the...

Tom Petty Estate Pursues Legal Action Against Kari Lake's Use Of "I Won't Back Down" in Campaign Tom Petty Estate Pursues Legal Action Against Kari Lake's Use Of "I Won't Back Down" in Campaign

80s Rock & Pop

Tom Petty Estate Pursues Legal Action Against Kari Lake's Use Of "I Won't Back Down" in Campaign

Hard Rock & Metal News

Happy Birthday To Ratt Vocalist Stephen Pearcy Who Turns 64 Today!

Hard Rock & Metal

Check out Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy’s homage to the 60’s Go-Go scene! Pearcy is never far from the studio and constantly writing, recording, and...

Watch Video For New Heaven's Edge Song "What Could've Been" Watch Video For New Heaven's Edge Song "What Could've Been"

Hard Rock & Metal

Jump in your time machine, because we’re going back to the good old days, but 2023 style! The latest HEAVENS EDGE single, “What Could’ve...

Watch New Video From Thrash Supergroup DIETH Featuring Members Of Megadeth, Entombed A.D., And Decapitated) Watch New Video From Thrash Supergroup DIETH Featuring Members Of Megadeth, Entombed A.D., And Decapitated)

Hard Rock & Metal

Death thrash force DIETH – featuring the iconic line-up of Grammy Award winning bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), Swedish Grammy nominated guitarist/vocalist Guilherme Miranda (ex-Entombed...

DAVE LOMBARDO (EX-SLAYER) TO RELEASE DEBUT SOLO ALBUM: RITES OF PERCUSSION DAVE LOMBARDO (EX-SLAYER) TO RELEASE DEBUT SOLO ALBUM: RITES OF PERCUSSION

Hard Rock & Metal

Dave Lombardo, inarguably one of the most influential, innovative and prolific drummers of modern music, releases his debut solo album, Rites of Percussion, on...

Def Leppard Drummer Comments On Recent Violent Attack Against Him Def Leppard Drummer Comments On Recent Violent Attack Against Him

Hard Rock & Metal

On March 13th, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was attacked outside of his hotel in Fort Lauderdale Florida by a man who rushed him...

Manowar Co-Founder Ross The Boss Releases New Album "Legacy Of Blood, Fire & Steel" Manowar Co-Founder Ross The Boss Releases New Album "Legacy Of Blood, Fire & Steel"

Hard Rock & Metal

ROSS THE BOSS releases compilation album ‘Legacy Of Blood, Fire &  Steel‘ on 28th April, out on AFM Records.  When the style-defining artists of the...