by Anthony O'Connor
Worth: $13.50
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Valerie Franco, Rob Reiner, Kerry Godliman, Chris Addison
Intro:
… light, breezy, occasionally amusing and often charming …
This is Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner’s rock and roll mockumentary about the trials and tribulations of a fictitious metal band, was released in 1984, some 41 years ago. It didn’t have a huge impact at the box office upon initial release but over time became a beloved cult hit, endlessly quoted by stoners and musos (and stoned musos) and changed the very face of comedy.
That’s not hyperbole, TV shows like The Office, Parks & Recreation and Modern Family all owe their signature style to “The Tap”. Christopher Guest himself (Nigel Tufnel from the movie) went on to direct multiple comedies in a similar style including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration.
Put simply, This is Spinal Tap was an absolute game-changer and should therefore never have a sequel made. And now, in 2025, we have had a sequel made and it’s… not without its charms.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues takes place 40 years after the events of the original. Although the band has split up for nebulous reasons, they’re still required to play one more show thanks to a contract discovered by Hope Faith (Kerry Godliman), daughter of the band’s deceased manager, Ian Faith (RIP Tony Hendra). So, it’s up to documentarian Martin “Marty” DiBergi (Rob Reiner) to make a film about Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) aka Spinal Tap, reuniting to play one final gig in New Orleans. But will they manage to put the show on, or will the entire venture turn into a shit sandwich?
Your enjoyment of Spinal Tap II is going to largely depend on your ability to forget the past and go with the flow. This long-delayed sequel is no This is Spinal Tap. It lacks the fresh style, the frequent gags and the sense of unhinged genius that permeated the original. However, it is rather nice to catch up with Nigel, David and Derek again and watch them womble aimlessly through their 70s in a quieter but fitfully charming yarn that certainly doesn’t outstay its welcome. The gags are fewer and less funny, the set pieces almost nonexistent until the climax, but there’s something comforting about checking in with the lads and seeing how they’re all doing.
Performances are all pretty good, with fun celebrity cameos likely to cause a wry smile, and a strong turn from the latest drummer, Didi Crockett (Valerie Franco). The loose, improv schtick still retains its charm although having a few more solid gags wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Slight is probably the best way to describe Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. It’s light, breezy, occasionally amusing and often charming, but it’s unlikely to become as oft quoted as its predecessor and never makes a strong case for its existence beyond: sometimes it’s nice to revisit old friends.
