Forty-one years after their mockumentary masterpiece achieved cult status, the legendary (and fictional) band Spinal Tap is back. 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' reunites Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, along with the ever-befuddled documentarian Martin DiBergi, for a reunion concert that's anything but straightforward.
The film follows the band members as they navigate the challenges of a comeback. Nigel, now a cheese and guitar shop owner, David, a composer of murder mystery podcast soundtracks, and Derek, curator of a rather precarious glue museum, must overcome personal differences and lingering resentments to take the stage once more. Their quest for a new drummer proves particularly eventful, involving disastrous auditions with musical heavyweights and culminating in the discovery of the vivacious Didi.
Adding to the chaos is their pretentious new publicist, Simon, whose advice is as questionable as it is memorable, including the suggestion that one band member should die to boost ticket sales. The rehearsal process is a masterclass in controlled chaos, featuring cameos from Paul McCartney and Elton John, whose contributions to the band's creative process are as charming as they are disregarded.
The humor in 'Spinal Tap II' relies heavily on the deadpan delivery and the sheer absurdity of the situations. The film effectively mines nostalgia, peppering the narrative with references to the original and welcoming back familiar faces like Fran Drescher and Paul Schaffer, while also honoring the late Tony Hendra through the inclusion of his daughter, Hope. John Michael Higgins, a veteran of Christopher Guest's mockumentaries, also makes a welcome, if brief, appearance.
While some jokes are more esoteric, such as a recreation of a classic album cover photography session, others, like the recurring ghost tours, might wear thin for some viewers. However, the core comedic trio of Guest, McKean, and Shearer are undeniably comfortable and hilarious in their roles, and their chemistry makes many of the less successful gags forgivable. The reunion concert itself is a riotous spectacle, particularly the rendition of "Stonehenge," with Elton John on lead vocals, culminating in a predictably disastrous performance that surpasses even the original's iconic heights.
Ultimately, 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' is a fun and charming addition to the Spinal Tap canon. While it might not reach the heights of its predecessor, it's a worthy follow-up that delivers plenty of laughs for fans and newcomers alike, proving that some bands, even fictional ones, never truly say goodbye.
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Originally published at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues-review-sequel-rob-reiner-1236366184/
