Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Every time I hear of a sequel being made for a movie, something along the lines of "30 years later" or "the next generation", I always feel skeptical to watch it, and I'm usually right for doing so.

No way was I expecting this to be the masterpiece that the first movie was, but I also didn't find it lacklustre or underwhelming. It wasn't necessary to make sequel, but since they did make it, I found it watchable and effortlessly funny like the first.

Sure, it wasn't as funny as the first-they rehashed a lot of the jokes-but I think some references were needed for us fans to connect with the movie.

I felt it had continued on with the trajectory of the first movie in terms of the humour. It's understandable that it's not going to have the energy of the first (I mean, they are older now), but the script (or improv) made sense with where the characters/actors are at this point of their career.

Overall, it was a bearable sequel with its own unique moments (and I definitely agreed with the cameos). It might not require multiple viewings, but I wouldn't mind watching it for a second time, just to see if I had missed any subtle gags.

SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES (2025) *** Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Valerie Franco, CJ Vanston, Kerry Godliman, Chris Addison, Nina Conti, John Michael Higgins (Cameos: Fran Drescher, June Chadwick, Fran Drescher, Paul Shaffer, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich, Questlove). The legendary (fake) rock gods are back in fine form (albeit a bit older, slower and denser) in this update rockumentary following the befuddled musicians reuniting for a oner in New Orleans with new management, drummer and lease on lifestyles. The fulcrum of the trio of McKean, Guest & Shearer riffing full improv is a joy to behold and they haven't lost a beat in the process nor has Reiner (both on and offscreen directors ;d) As a sequel we've all been waiting for decades (literally 4) this goes to 11!

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is a worthwhile comedy sequel that has some gaps between really successful jokes but it still has plenty of them overall. It's a loving return with all the expected absurdity contained in another efficiently brief run time. There's a few fun cameos from music legends to counterbalance the incredibly brief appearances from original supporting cast members which feel pointless.

Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer & Michael McKean retain their endearingly awkward rapport. Chris Addison and Kerry Godliman are wonderful new additions who match the film's energy like their predecessors did. Returning director Rob Reiner brings the same lovable energy in his performance and his direction still understands how to be a mockumentary with the best decision being to keep the film going throughout the credits again.

These guys are charming, so it's a pleasure to see them in character and on screen again, but that's about all the movie has to offer. There's a mystery behind the tension between two main characters that runs throughout the film, but it manifests mostly as them just being sh***y to each other, and is neither dramatic nor funny. Both the reveal (92% of the way through film) and the resolution (93% of the way) fall completely flat.

There are a couple of big musical cameos, but they're pretty uninspired and are basically just a couple of fanboy service jam sessions.

Still, if you love these characters and you just want to see them again, as perhaps a bit of a familiar but hole-ridden blanket, it may worth watching.

If the original went to 11, this one goes to about 7.

It's probably difficult attempting to return to the format you created (and hundreds of others hhave been influenced by) and expecting as good as return as the original.

It's not laugh out loud funny very often, but it's an enjoyable watch. Like hanging out with your cool uncle who's a bit slower, and isn't as invested as he used to be.

Still, I could watch Marty interview Nigel for three more hours.