Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer
Genre: Renewed Original
Spinal Tap II is fun, but the original This is Spinal Tap (1984) was legendary, revolutionary and hilarious. It was also pioneering, providing virtual commentary on 1980s social and entertainment trends, be they good or bad.
This is not a criticism of the sequel, which in effect is only providing clever commentary on itself. It’s worth seeing if you know the original jokes (11, Stonehenge, drummer survival, etc) which I have to admit I only reminded myself of by viewing it on a streaming service recently – over 30 years after watching the film on a hired video.
Being a 55-year-old, I was one of the youngest audience members at the premiere which had a rock ’n’ roll costume theme. The vast majority of us didn’t need to hire a costume or think too hard about what to wear – we just wore our normal, casual and aged, and most comfortable, regular clothing. That screen alignment with our generation is in part why we liked the film, but also why almost everyone younger than me would not understand it.
So here’s my suggestion for the more recent generations. Watch the original film on an online streaming service, a video or DVD (if your parents have the machine). Check out classic rock ’n’ roll music on radio stations you never listen to and the fuzzy music videos anywhere they exist. Then watch Spinal Tap II. Even the title will impress you!
Rating: Four Tee Years
