Film Review - Spinal Tap II: The End Goes On (2025)

      **Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, 2025.**

      **Directed by Rob Reiner.**

      **Starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Paul Shaffer, Fran Drescher, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Chris Addison, Kerry Godliman, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Nina Conti, David Furnish, John Michael Higgins, June Chadwick, Griffin Matthews, Kathreen Khavari, Don Lake, Chad Smith, and Lars Ulrich.**

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      The now distant members of Spinal Tap are compelled to come together for one last concert, aiming to secure their position in rock 'n' roll history.

      At an early special access screening of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a short promotional advertisement was shown before the film began, featuring director Rob Reiner in character as the mockumentary filmmaker Martin DiBergi, humorously commenting on how grateful he is for this chance to revive his career. This statement rings true, as I can’t recall the last time Rob Reiner created a narrative film that was truly engaging. This makes it all the more puzzling that distributor Bleecker Street seemingly made an effort to keep this legacy sequel under wraps from the media, considering it’s neither terrible nor as cringeworthy as typical exploits in this genre.

      Much of this modest success can be attributed to a story that, rather than overreaching, settles for a reunion after 40+ years, despite some tension among the Spinal Tap band members. A contractual loophole triggers this reunion, but not before we check in on lead vocalist David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) in their everyday lives. Their lives range from humorous and irreverent activities like a shop that allows customers to swap large blocks of cheese for guitars, a glue museum, to various peculiar musical gigs, including murder-based podcasts and hold music arrangements.

      Eventually, they are brought together by their longtime manager's daughter, Hope Faith (Kerry Godliman), to perform one final show, which arises amid a minor resurgence in pop culture within this blend of fiction and reality. The premise is straightforward: when Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (with Rob Reiner and the fictional band credited as writers) focuses on satirizing reunion tours, the humor, including amusing scenarios like suggesting one of them should die to make the comeback more impactful, lands well. Laughs also come when the jokes emerge from the music creation process (like a pedal board that becomes increasingly extravagant with unnecessary additions) or rock ‘n’ roll culture (the band welcomes their first female drummer, leading to playful suggestions of “playing together” right away).

      However, what falls flat, and at times feels forced, is when the film leans on character nostalgia or celebrity cameos, expecting them to carry weight. While the nostalgia isn’t overwhelming, it’s still present. Except for a standout role for a game Elton John, the cameos lack memorability and often feel like a display of what the filmmakers can achieve now that this intellectual property has been successful. Even the climactic reunion concert culminates in a punchline that references a fan-favorite joke from the original, although it still manages to evoke some laughs here.

      Another concern is that, despite the enjoyable atmosphere, the story lacks depth, and the supporting characters—whether familiar or new—aren’t utilized effectively. A conflict between David and Nigel is hinted at throughout the film, but is resolved in mere minutes the day before the concert; it seems as though the film is more about meeting the requirement for conflict and resolution rather than truly exploring it.

      Nonetheless, the charm of the band and their tone persists in their more seasoned years. Most importantly, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues doesn’t linger excessively, maintaining a runtime comparable to its predecessor. To use the obvious phrase, this installment isn’t quite cranked up to 11, but it’s functional and not completely off-track. Only about half of it strikes a balance between clever and silly.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★**

      **Robert Kojder**