Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

It was an absolute must to go into this film with all expectations tempered. Not that I didn't have faith, which one normally would have with the same crew returning to continue the end of Spinal Tap. Christopher Guest for example returns here, who after the original 1984 groundbreaking classic This Is Spinal Tap was released, went on to further mockumentary pastures with hilarious classics like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show, just to name a few. Mostly everyone returns here: Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, director Rob Reiner, even Paul Shaffer returns as Artie Fufkin and although briefly, Fran Drescher's fantastic Bobbi Flekman is back as well. Add in Paul McCartney and Elton John and either it's because they wanted to be part of a brilliant sequel, or the filmmakers needed to compensate for potential shortcomings. For me, it's a bit of both.

I'm happy to report the strategy of low expectations worked, that this was NOT the disaster I was fearful of and prepared myself for going in. Absolutely no question Spinal Tap II: The End Continues does not live up to the original, at least in terms of how sharp it is or isn't. Reiner and Tap knew how much the original was lightning in a bottle, from its humor to its concept alone. This Is Spinal Tap's influence on comedy in the decades since its release is undeniable. It was not only revolutionary, but unbelievably funny and it still holds up today incredibly well. So sharply done, those seeing it today for the first time continue to think Spinal Tap is a real band. How could they not, with a "real documentary" made about them?

Instead of trying to top themselves, they lean into the "hang out movie" aspect, allowing the original fans to return and spend time with the boys again after more than 40 years. That "where are they now?" record bin alluded to in the original, is how this plays out, and while not as sharp or hilarious, the chance to see them "together again" and be reminded of their once greatness, despite their 20 minutes ending years ago, was a pleasant experience overall. It's nowhere close to being as funny - how could it be? - but I still laughed, and I loved seeing everyone back, I loved seeing THEM clearly having a great time revisiting these characters, and overall I think they pulled it off here. Perhaps that means simply avoiding a disaster, but seeing this final product after much waiting and anticipation reminded me that was never going to happen. Reiner, Guest, McKean, Shearer - they are too good to allow that to happen. They avoided that Stonehenge moment this go around, and while not turning it up to 11, they at least cranked it up to 7, which isn't bad for these aging rockstars.