Mentors - Kings of Sleaze Rockumentary is an authentic, uncompromising, and revealing documentary film that thoroughly explores the history, music, and controversy surrounding the influential underground rock band, the Mentors. The documentary is directed by April Jones and provides an immersive historical perspective into the complex world of underground rock music, combined with a nuanced exploration of the band's contribution to the genre.

The Mentors, also known as “the kings of sleaze,” were infamous for their distinctive image and raucous live performances. The band members wore executioner hoods and adopted pseudonyms, which in combination with their provocative lyrics and rebellious attitude, created an image that was unforgettable and polarizing. This earned them a significant cult following, as well as bringing them into the crosshairs of censorship groups and creating a wealth of controversy.

Mentors - Kings of Sleaze Rockumentary delves deep into the band's path to fame and the controversy that surrounded their provocative stage presence and outrageous lyrics. Throughout the movie, the viewer gets an intimate and forthright exposition of the band's journey, from their humble beginnings in Seattle in the late 1970s, their heyday in the 1980s, until their continued impact and relevance into the 21st century.

With interviews and testimonials from various figures in the music scene, the documentary offers fresh perspectives on the band's history. These include band members, family, journalists, fans, and critics who offer their unique viewpoints and comment on the band’s journey and their disruptive, potentially ahead-of-time anti-establishment ethos. These firsthand accounts add depth and provide a multifaceted view of the band's impact on the music industry and popular culture.

Not only does this documentary shed light on the schoolboy friends who created the band – El Duce (real name Eldon Hoke), Sickie Wifebeater (Eric Carlson), and Dr. Heathen Scum (Steve Broy) – it also walks the viewer through their rise to fame, the challenges they faced, their influence on underground rock music, and the reactions they spurred. It comprehensively studies the themes and topics that were central to their lyrics, whether they were intended for shock value, satirical purposes, or aimed to challenge societal norms.

However, Mentors - Kings of Sleaze Rockumentary doesn't shy away from discussing the controversies that plagued the band. It addresses the charges of misogyny, obscenity, and indecency that led to clashes between the band and societal norms. Through interviews and observational footage, we gain an understanding of the band from multiple perspectives, shining a light on the difference between the public persona and the individual behind the mask. This accords the viewer an understanding of the context and the divisive responses between fans and critics alike.

In particular, it focuses on the tragic and mysterious circumstances surrounding Eldon Hoke's death. With a promise of sensitivity and respect, the film strives to separate facts from conjecture and aims to provide the audience with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the late drummer and the band itself.

Given the widescale influence and notoriety of the Mentors, this documentary is more than just the story of a band. It tells a story of rebellion, societal judgments, and the freedom of expression. It taps into commentary on broader themes of censorship, personal expression, and the price of pursuing art without compromises.

Visually captivating with rich historical footage, intriguing interviews, and rare concert footage, this documentary is a must-watch for both fans of the band and viewers seeking a comprehensive, honest look into the world of provocative rock music. Mentors - Kings of Sleaze Rockumentary encapsulates the spirit of an era, and the stalwarts who, despite their controversial stances, were instrumental in defining it.