One thing we love is contributions from our Outposters. We had an email from The Orange Bat, who kindly reviewed Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
The End Continues
When I first saw the trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, I decided I wasn’t going to see it. My least favourite genre in modern Hollywood is old actors returning to familiar roles where the audience can watch them attempt to keep their dentures in place.
There’s just something about seeing these actors trying to re-capture some of the glory of their youth that is really, really depressing. But I found myself with a day free and nothing to do, and I wanted to see something fun in the theatre.
Have you seen what’s in theatres right now? It was between Spinal Tap II, Downton Abbey: The Revenge, or The Long Walk. I hear a character in one of these movies takes a crap on screen. Just don’t ask me which movie.
This is Spinal Tap
If you are unfamiliar with Spinal Tap, they are a heavy metal band consisting of lead singer David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer). The original movie, This Is Spinal Tap, was a mockumentary directed by and starring Rob Reiner in the role of documentary filmmaker Marty Di Bergi.
This Is Spinal Tap chronicled the misadventures of a ragtag band as they embarked on a tour of America. It mocked the oh-so-serious documentaries and movies of popular rock bands at the time; such as The Beatles, and movies like The Last Waltz. This is Spinal Tap is a very funny movie, and if you haven’t seen it, do so. You won’t regret it.
At the beginning of Spinal Tap II, we discover that the band Spinal Tap had broken up 15 years prior due to an unresolved conflict between its members, David and Nigel. Despite being childhood friends, this personal rift has kept the band apart for years.
However, their contract with Ian Faith, portrayed in the original movie by the late actor Tony Hendra, obligated them to perform one final concert. After Ian’s death, the contract passed on to Ian’s daughter, Hope Faith, who is determined to make the concert happen.
Back to the Documentary
Di Bergi has once again returned to direct the sequel. At the start, we find that Nigel has opened a cheese and guitar store where you can exchange cheese for guitars and vice versa, David is now playing in a mariachi band in California, and Derek operates a glue museum in London while performing songs he has written with symphony orchestras around the world (The song featured is called “Hell Toupee”).
There’s some clever bit of comedy done at Nigel’s cheese shop, and Derek has an unfortunate accident with a glue bottle, and it feels like we’re back in the groove of the original.
The three bandmates agree to perform in a final concert, which ultimately takes place in New Orleans (the arena opened up after “A Night With Stormy Daniels” was cancelled). A significant portion of the movie revolves around their rehearsals in a studio in preparation for the upcoming concert.
Cameos
Along the way, there are a few notable cameos, including Paul McCartney and Elton John (who, in my opinion, should consider finding a new wig maker). Hope hires a promoter, played perfectly by Chris Addison, who struggles to comprehend the music. Addison is undoubtedly one of the standout performers in the cast and every moment on screen injects some energy into the film.
There’s no need to delve into details because the movie lacks a real plot. It’s essentially a series of vignettes showcasing the band’s preparations for the concert. One of the extended scenes involves the guys auditioning for a new drummer, as their previous eleven drummers had passed away while playing with the band.
After meeting with several renowned drummers, they come across Didi (Valerie Franco), one of the few who’s willing to take the risk of playing with a band notorious for the premature demise of its drummers.
McKean is fine in his return as David St. Hubbins. The only thing I can truly say is that his British accent has deteriorated over the past four decades. Guest is the best of the group and still possesses the talent to deliver some enjoyable improvised comedy.
Perhaps the most memorable bit in the sequel mirrors his famous “It goes to eleven” scene. This time, Nigel explains his vast array of guitar pedals, showing Di Bergi what some of them do.
Shearer is also there. He’s not given much to do in this movie, and he looks very, very old. At 81 years old he just no longer has the energy or timing to pull off many of the jokes. Watching him is what I meant when I talked about avoiding movies with old actors.
Overall
Overall, the movie is okay. It’s amusing in places and does offer some solid laugh-out-loud moments. However, the resolution to David and Nigel’s argument is pretty unsatisfying. The bits that were funniest to me came at the very end and through the credits. It’s safe to say that it’s a far cry from the original and doesn’t even come close to the first movie’s brilliance.
I saw Spinal Tap II in a completely empty theatre. Thus cannot tell you what jokes might have landed with a real live audience.
There is little reason to go to the theatre for this one. It barely made any money in its opening weekend and should be on streaming any minute now. And, really, if you missed it altogether, you wouldn’t miss a thing. However, at around an 80-minute runtime, it’s decent viewing when you’re looking for something to watch at home.
Back to Boba Phil, The Orange Bat didn’t give us a star rating, so I’m guessing it’s about a 3 out of 5. Bats, let me know if I’m wrong.
