When I heard that legendary documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner) was bringing us more, I couldn’t wait to see what he had on Tap. Yes, you read that correctly. The boys are getting back together for one more concert! Reuniting after a 15-year hiatus, the band is coming to make music as only they can, and Marty Di Bergi is on hand to truly Tap into the energy of David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer).
Buy Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Blu-rayIt’s been more than 40 years since This is Spinal Tap rocked movie theatres to their foundation, and now another pink torpedo has been dropped right on us. Though the run in theatres that started on September 12th ended faster than the lives of many of their drummers, the new release on Blu-ray from Castle Rock Entertainment hit shelves on November 11th and belongs in everyone’s Christmas stocking.
The band is older and slower, but the audience that fell in love with their music in the last century is as well, or dead. Those of us still around are sure to enjoy finding out what became of Spinal Tap and if they can still rock. Though the new film comes in at a far-too-short 83 minutes, it’s still “Heavy Duty.” Almost every joke from the original film gets tagged in the new endeavor and we get visits from new and old friends including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Bobbi Flekman, Artie Fufkin, Jeanine Pettibone-St Hubbins, and many more. Some of the new faces don’t add as much value as others, but everyone is clearly happy to be along for the ride.
You may have to be patient here as the opening segments go dangerously close to falling into a “Hell Hole,” but eventually we get what we came for. The “where are they now?” segments aren’t as funny as they should be or are simply not sufficiently explored. There is tension between the bandmates that also isn’t explored enough and gets resolved too conveniently. So, while this mockumentary of an imperfect band is imperfect, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get a hold of it, sit down on your “Big Bottom,” and enjoy the visit with old friends.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues gets Ron’s Recommendation. It certainly leaves you wanting more, and though Marty and the boys may not have more to give, Castle Rock Entertainment is saying “Gimme Some Money” cuz “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock Ya Tonight,” and rock ya, is something Spinal Tap can still do. Oh, and make ya laugh.
