Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues, is the sequel to the 1984 mockumentary classic. The film is once again directed by co-writer Rob Reiner, who co-stars alongside fellow writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. The original film is a classic of the genre, deftly blending parody and outsize drama to great effect. Yet, would the same quirky characters and their trials and tribulations work, four decades later? Would the sequel be another flat, nostalgia chasing endeavor devoid of charm or chuckles? The result, this reviewer is pleased to announce, is that it retains everything that made the original special. While it may not add anything truly significant to the genre, what we have here is a very funny moment in time for the members of Spinal Tap.
As the film begins, it has been fifteen years since the band split up, given a beef between leads David and Nigel. David now pursues very specific music related enterprises, out of a home studio in California, while Nigel has opened a Cheese and Music shop in Berwick-upon-Tweed, with an emphasis on the cheese, only returning to music properly on weekends as part of a pub band. Derek, the third member of the band, has opened a glue museum following the abysmal failure of his epic rock opera symphony. As the film unfolds, we get to meet other characters that were around the first time, but aside from Reiner, as director Marty Di Bergi, and the three musicians, the cast is new. The old manager has been replaced by his daughter, who wants a reunion concert, the crux of the film.
Courtesy Bleecker Street
Being Spinal Tap, of course, the road to opening night is anything but straight and drama free. They have once again been forced to go looking for a drummer, and their manager has brought on an incredibly shady fellow who literally does not have an ear for music, yet believes he is perfect for the business. This, as with the original, is not a film that is about plot, but about spaces, places and characters. It is about the humor in situations and moments and playing things broadly in the most earnest way possible.
There are at least half a dozen truly gut busting moments and loads of chuckles and smiles besides. There is not a single moment, shockingly, that will make you cringe in embarrassment for either yourself or those involved. There is too much love and care involved, and the talent has once again risen to the top. Yet, it is not a perfect film. While it is not mere nostalgia, much of the film relies on the same types of jokes as before, which is the point and makes sense, given how dense and self-serving these people are. That does not mean this is a bad film, at all, but it does mean that it is not more than a very good and worthy sequel.
The film is, wonderfully, chock full of cameos, from inside and out the music industry, including extended work from two truly iconic talents that this reviewer will not spoil here. It is enough to say that one of them figures into two of the biggest laughs in the film. This is, much like the first film, a work about mean people which is not itself, a mean work. That is quite an accomplishment. Everyone involved works hard to earn the humor, with the audience being the beneficiaries of what is one of the best throwback comedies of recent years. It would be hard to say if there is a standout this time, but while Guest and McKean get the most and best overall material, it is Shearer who has the first truly great comedic moment and one the film is hard pressed to top. This is what an ensemble comedy looks like, folks. Do not miss it.
Spinal Tap II Opens Friday, September 12th in theaters everywhere
One of my most anticipated films of the year. The original is one of my top five straight comedies of all time.
I remember when the first one came out. Can’t wait to see this!