Shadows on the Wall | Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir Rob Reiner
scr Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Rob Reiner, Harry Shearer
prd Matthew George, Michele Reiner, Rob Reiner
with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Valerie Franco, CJ Vanson, Kerry Godliman, Chris Addison, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Nina Conti, John Michael Higgins, Fran Drescher, Lars Ulrich, Questlove, Chad Smith, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood
release US/UK 12.Sep.25
25/US Sony 1h23

See also:

Is it streaming?

Fans of the 1984 original will be in heaven watching this 40-years-later followup, another blissfully dry mock-documentary tracing the contractual reunion concert of the iconic metal band, which is of course actually made up of comedians with an almost supernatural talent for improv. Rob Reiner is back as alter-ego Marty DiBergi, eliciting deadpan hilarity with earnest questions. And mega-star appearances amp things up to 11 before the epic climax.

Spinal Tap founders Nigel (Guest) and David (McKean) haven't spoken for 15 years. Nigel now runs a cheese and guitars shop in England with his girlfriend (Conti), while David plays in a Mariachi band and composes background music in Morro Bay. They reunite with Derek (Shearer) for one final concert in New Orleans, organised by Hope (Godliman), daughter of their late manager, and promoted by Simon (Addison), who knows nothing about music. As they rehearse, Paul McCartney and Elton John drop in to jam, and the strain between Nigel and David reaches a breaking point.

Expanding on the mythology that was established in the first film, this offers a flurry of riotous references and updates that payoff beautifully, including gags that are just as memorably silly (including a seriously ridiculous fart joke). We also catch up with most of the side characters, while auditions for a new drummer offer an absurd montage sequence and a parade of star drummer cameos. Since everything is played with astonishingly straight faces, the film keeps us giggling helplessly.

When Addison's annoyingly clueless Simon suggests that sales would be improved if one of them dies, the clearly unsettled ageing rockers counter, "Would you settle for a coma?" Guest, McKean, Shearer and Reiner have such effortless chemistry that watching them riff is pure joy. This makes their disagreements even funnier, as they often spiral around minor things like "aahs" or "lahs". The cast members around them are a bit nuttier. And both McCarthy and John provide incredible musical moments in their scenes.

Seeing glimpses of these boys in their younger days is startling, as it highlights the decades that have passed, making a superb comment on musicians and actors who have had long careers. And some new gags are hilariously unforgettable, from Nigel's secret cheese kit to his outrageous pedal board. But the most surprising thing here is the underlying emotional resonance that sneaks up on us in a story about two childhood friends who wonder if the camaraderie might be gone for good. But of course it's not.

themes, language 4.Sep.25

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

Still waiting for your comments ... don't be shy.