Running Time: 83 minutes
This feature from Bleecker Street Media opens exclusively at cinemas on Friday, September 12th.
Back in 1984, the comedy This Is Spinal Tap brilliantly satirized rock music and touring bands. The mock-documentary, which even featured a few situations loosely based on real legends, followed the ups and mostly hilarious downs of a band promoting their latest record. It stands as one of the best comedies of its era. And although it took some time to find its following, the movie became a massive success on video and repertory screenings.
Naturally, the original was lightning in a bottle and such an iconic film simply can’t be equaled. The characters in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues are considerably older and, as such, are less prone to getting into the same kind of outrageous situations as they were in the original. But even though these rockers are a little slower, there are several nostalgic chuckles and a few new laughs as they reunite once again.
Documentarian Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner, who directed both films) and his crew set out to catch up with hard rock band Spinal Tap after a long absence. In fact, it has been 15 years since all three members have been in the same room together. Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) owns a small UK business that awkwardly combines two very different products, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKeon) lives in the US and writes/performs music for smaller clients, while Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) is curator of an eccentric museum. The trio have been at odds for some time, but are forced to reunite when Hope Faith (Kerry Godliman), the daughter of their late manager, explains that they are contractually obligated to perform one more concert together. She hires profit-obsessed, brusque promoter Simon (Chris Addison) to help as the group rehearse and work through their differences.
The film takes a bit of time filling in viewers on what has happened to several characters (some bits are amusing, but not all are necessary), before honing in on the three leads and their lives today. As it so happens, Hubbins is holding a deep grudge towards Tufnel, resulting in an undercurrent of awkwardness between the two men. It leads to some entertaining banter, as, rather than deal with the issue directly, they critique and get on each other’s nerves over the course of rehearsals. There’s a big artist cameo during one of these bits involving a superstar who gets in the middle of an argument, that results in hilarious tension between all pirates and one of the film’s memorable moments.
When there is tension in and around the group, the movie is at its strongest. Much of the funniest material involves interactions with the slimy promoter Simon, who suggests ways to draw attention to the show and the band. Some of the blunt ideas bandied about include asking if a member or two could die on stage. There is also a very funny bit in which various corporate tie-in product ideas are suggested. The tension between the group and this character, who doesn’t care about anything but a quick buck, earns plenty of laughs.
As mentioned, a few of the jokes and references will already be familiar to fans and won’t feel particularly fresh. But like any reunion tour, the film can’t help but have its characters spend a bit too long revisiting their most famous tunes (and even a couple of notable efforts from their 1992 album, Break Like the Wind). At least part of the final act, when the band attempts to stage a live performance of “Stonehenge” without incident, is an entertaining sequence. And there are a couple of notable new tracks, like “Rockin’ in the Urn,” that do make an impression.
As mentioned, there isn’t as much comedic tension or stakes in this follow-up, and while there are a few topical jabs here and there, the film doesn’t try to sharply send up the excesses and extravagances of the modern music business (other than shady music promoters). But, if you enjoy the characters and are longing to see the creators of “Big Bottom” and “Hell Hole” perform on stage again, there are enough laughs here to make Spinal Tap II: The End Continues a worthwhile endeavor. It isn’t a comedy classic like the original, but it is a good time. And, like in the original, be sure to stay through the end credits for some extra yuks.