According to Fat Mike, "40 Years of Fuckin’ Up" is not a classic band documentary. The NOFX frontman originally felt the first version was too serious and too dark, so he spent months recutting the film using old archival footage and interviews. The final result doesn't focus on the band's successes, but rather on the process of falling apart. The film contains many botched concert moments, onstage arguments, and tension, particularly surrounding the deterioration of Fat Mike and Eric Melvin's relationship. According to Mike, it was a conscious decision not to try to explain or correct the criticisms about him. He preferred to leave in the uncomfortable parts to keep the film honest.



The documentary also touches on more personal topics, including Fat Mike's relationship to gender expression and fetish culture. According to him, one of the most important moments of the film was when his daughter felt after the premiere that she had truly seen him for who he is. "40 Years of Fuckin’ Up" will not be put on streaming platforms, it will not be available on the internet and it may not even be released on DVD. Fat Mike is thinking more about theatrical screenings, where fans can watch the film together. Meanwhile, he is also working on several new projects, including new music, a musical, and his own vodka brand.