For fans of the iconic mockumentary *This Is Spinal Tap*, the arrival of *Spinal Tap II: The End Continues* is a momentous occasion. Director Rob Reiner once again steps into the shoes of Marty Di Bergi, documenting the reunion of the legendarily inept rock band. Forty years after their disastrous Druid-themed show, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) find themselves contractually obligated to perform one last gig. But the question remains: can these aging rockers recapture their (in)famous magic?
The film doesn't immediately answer that question. Instead, it finds our protagonists scattered across the globe, pursuing surprisingly diverse (and amusing) careers. McKean's St. Hubbins crafts scores for B-movies, Guest's Tufnel dispenses cheese in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Shearer's Smalls curates a glue museum in London – a testament to the band's eclectic post-rock lives. The humor, much like the original, relies on deadpan delivery and the inherent absurdity of the situation. While not a laugh-a-minute riot, the film consistently provides chuckles, especially for those intimately familiar with the original's comedic sensibilities.
The reunion tour itself forms the core of the sequel's narrative. The search for a new drummer proves particularly eventful, with cameos from Questlove and Lars Ulrich adding to the film’s musical celebrity cameos. The eventual choice, lesbian drummer Didi Crockett (Valerie Franco), brings a fresh dynamic to the band, but this only contributes to the overall chaotic nature of their rehearsals and performances.
The film also features appearances from Paul McCartney and Elton John, moments that range from hilariously awkward to outright slapstick. While some of these celebrity cameos feel like gratuitous fan service, they ultimately contribute to the film's overarching sense of chaotic energy. Other notable appearances from Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood further highlight the band's unexpected presence within the broader music world.
While the sequel might not reach the same legendary status as its predecessor, *Spinal Tap II: The End Continues* offers a charming and often hilarious look at the aging rockers' continued misadventures. Fans will undoubtedly appreciate the reunion and the callbacks to the original, but the film's overall success will hinge on one's appreciation for the band's signature blend of incompetence and unintentional comedic genius. Ultimately, it’s a worthy addition to the Spinal Tap legacy, offering a nostalgic and often funny reminder of why this mockumentary remains a beloved cult classic.
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Originally published at: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/spinal-tap-2-the-end-continues-review-1235150289/
