Watch Filmage: The Story of Descendents/All

Filmage: The Story of Descendents/All is a 2013 documentary film that explores the history and legacy of one of punk rock's most influential bands: The Descendents. The film traces the band's origins in the late 1970s in Southern California, where a group of high school friends - including drummer Bill Stevenson and guitarist Frank Navetta - formed a band that would go on to shape the sound and ethos of punk rock for decades to come.

At the center of the film are the personal stories of the band members themselves, including Stevenson, lead singer Milo Aukerman, and bassist Karl Alvarez. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and live performances, the film takes viewers on a journey through the band's early years, as they struggled to make a name for themselves in a crowded and competitive punk rock scene.

One of the key themes of Filmage is the band's approach to making music. Unlike many of their punk rock peers, The Descendents were known for their intellectualism and pop sensibilities, combining catchy hooks and melodic harmonies with lyrics that addressed themes ranging from heartbreak and alienation to self-doubt and societal dysfunction. As Aukerman explains in the film: "We're just a loud pop band with a punk rock attitude."

The film also highlights the band's evolution over the years, as they weathered personnel changes and experimented with new sounds and styles. One of the most significant shifts in the band's trajectory came in the mid-1980s, when Aukerman left the band to pursue a degree in biochemistry, and the remaining members regrouped as All, with Alvarez taking over as lead vocalist. The film documents this transition, as well as the challenges and hardships faced by the band members during this period.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to rare and intimate footage of the band both on and off stage, including footage from some of their most iconic performances. There are also interviews with a wide range of musicians and music industry figures, including members of Black Flag, The Melvins, and Rise Against, all of whom speak to the band's lasting impact on the punk rock genre.

Perhaps most importantly, Filmage offers a deep and emotional portrait of the band members themselves, showing them as real people with complex lives and feelings. This is particularly true of Stevenson, who emerges as a central figure in the film. As the band's drummer and primary songwriter, Stevenson's influence on the band's sound and direction cannot be overstated, and the film offers a poignant look at his personal struggles with addiction, depression, and family trauma.

Overall, Filmage: The Story of Descendents/All is a must-see for fans of punk rock and music documentaries in general. With its expert blend of music, history, and human drama, the film offers a rich and rewarding look at one of the most significant bands in the punk rock canon.

Filmage: The Story of Descendents/All is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.