Four decades after audiences were introduced to British rockers Spinal Tap in a pioneering mockumentary, the band reunites for one final concert in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Source: Australian Catholics.
This sequel was a lot of fun. There were laugh-out loud moments, satire, an odious manager, freak accidents, occasional ripe language, humour, hi-jinks, a great girl drummer and three old rock’n’rollers who get together to put on one last show in New Orleans.
Guest spots in the show are scene stealers (no spoilers here) and the whole thing is an affable confection, a tribute of sorts to the mystery and mayhem and good times of being in a band. Today, we are used to our rock stars ageing in place, still trotting out their number one hits to an audience that has grown old with them.
The original Spinal Tap mockumentary was made in 1984 and its enduring popularity has ensured its place in the cultural lexicon.
This film features the original band, with Christopher Guest playing Nigel Tufnell, Michael McKean as David St Hubbins and Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls. Rob Reiner reprises the role of interviewer Martin Di Berg.
What is interesting is that these guys are proficient musicians and they certainly look the part of old rockers. They appeared at Glastonbury in 2009 with real rock band Status Quo. The made-up backstories as to what they have been doing since their last gig together are funny.
There is personal and creative niggling between David and Nigel, while Derek is a wizened Druid-like character who drolly observes much of what is going on. The acting is improvisational and loose, echoing the feel of real warts and all documentary.
The ending of Spinal Tap II is hilarious and nods to events that happened in the first film. Just think Stonehenge. The audience watching the film with me loved it and there was a round of solid applause at its ending.
It was silly and fun and just made for letting the good times roll again.
Review by Ann Rennie, Jesuit Media
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner. Director: Rob Reiner. Running time: 84 minutes. Rating: M (coarse language, sexual references}
FULL REVIEW
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (Australian Catholics)
