Spinal Tap II: The End Continues – Film Review
by Fran Winston

Directed by: Rob Reiner
Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner

In cinemas September 12

Just over 40 years after the world met rockers Spinal Tap in the 1984 mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap, the band are back together for one final gig. The original team have reunited, reprising their roles as members of the fictional heavy metal band who are getting back together after 15 years for one final show.

You don’t need to have seen the original to follow the premise, as director Martin Di Bergi (Reiner), who is following them to document their reunion, gives plenty of exposition. However, if you have seen the original, you will already be familiar with the premise.

Much like the actors who play them, when we meet the band Nigel Tufnel (Guest), David St. Hubbins (McKean), and Derek Smalls (Shearer) again, their lives have all gone in different directions since they split. But a clause in their original contract means they are obliged to do one more show, so they head to New Orleans to rehearse and prepare.

Along the way, they attempt to recruit a superstar drummer (leading to several celebrity cameos, including Lars Ulrich from Metallica) and dismiss Paul McCartney’s suggestions when he stumbles upon a songwriting session. They also recruit Sir Elton John as a guest performer, leading to one of the funniest cameos, which proves the elder statesman of rock isn’t afraid to make fun of himself.

Star-studded cameos aside, this is surprisingly poignant for a comedy. Part of the joke of the original movie was that the band were “ageing rockers”, but now they really are. This realisation is only heightened by the flashback moments to the first flick.

The world has also moved on a lot since the original, and while there was nothing too risqué in that, there is a sense they are playing it somewhat safe here in a post-#MeToo world. Other than one slightly icky scene where Smalls hits on their much younger female drummer, it isn’t nearly as lascivious as rock and roll has been known to be historically.

But there are still plenty of laughs, although a few are chuckles rather than guffaws. And the music, although pastiche, is still surprisingly good. It’s actually a shame we don’t get to see more of the epic final concert.

Ironically, in the years since the original film, numerous bands have done real-life confessional tour documentaries, meaning this doesn’t feel as fresh as the idea did in 1984. But the fictional band have become such an institution that it doesn’t matter. In the intervening years, they have played both Glastonbury and the Live Earth concert – despite the fact that they are not a real group.

This is perfect, gentle entertainment. You’ll tap your feet to the songs while laughing at the ludicrous lyrics. It doesn’t outstay its welcome and, if anything, leaves you wanting more, which is always a good sign. If this is the last project Spinal Tap ever do, it is a perfect send-off for the unlikely rock icons.