Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

     

As you would probably expect, it's best to have your expectations in check before viewing this year's SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES.  Most long delayed sequels unsuccessfully try to recapture the magic of their predecessors.  Feel like sad attempts to reignite what worked decades before.  Especially difficult as audiences have changed so dramatically, in many ways not for the better.  As I've said, for every TOP GUN MAVERICK there are a dozen COMING 2 AMERICAs.  Were there enough fans of improvisational comedy and heavy metal to make this latest sit down and rock out with Nigel Tufnel et. al  a success?

They did not exactly hit theatres in droves last September.  Most of said fans still breathing at this late date probably figured it was best viewed at home.  I was among them, sorry to say.  I had briefly considered calling up my old friend/metalhead Chris - who moved to the Orlando area last year - and seeing if he'd like to catch this on the big screen.  That would've been fun.  I would've made the road trip, no problem.  But time got away, and this movie just reeked of something Not So Special.

The same rhythm is there. 1984's THIS IS SPINAL TAP more or less introduced the "mockumentary" style.  Scripted plotline and scenarios yet the actors given free reign to improvise within them. Director Rob Reiner's movie was so convincing that even rock stars thought it was a legitimate documentary.  This time, the dry wit is more sporadic, less sustained.  There are stretches where the humor seems forced.  Maybe even not cared about.  Satisfied with itself.  This is not an ambitious affair.

The metal band Spinal Tap had dispersed some years back.  Nigel (Christopher Guest) opened a cheese and guitar shop with his girlfriend in London.  David (Michael McKean) produces music for true crime podcasts and won an award (a Holdie) for his stellar on-hold phone instrumentals. Derek (Harry Shearer) runs a glue museum.  The band's split was in part due to a rift between Nigel and David.  When it is learned that their old contract states that they are required to give one more concert appearance, the boys reluctantly reunite to rock once again at a venue in New Orleans.  Originally, Stormy Daniels was set to appear that night.

The early scenes are quite funny.  That recognizable low key snark.  We get updates on characters we saw in the first movie.  Reiner reprises his role as documentarian Mary DiBergi.  But somewhere along the way, SPINAL TAP II loses what little mojo it had.  Maybe even before Paul McCartney shows up and offers a meh cameo.  Sir Elton John appears later, and will figure into the film's climax and denouement, amusingly.  But the energy never really emerges.  I did laugh out loud about a half dozen times, but most of this is merely smile worthy.

No doubt - it is fun to watch these guys interact again.  As real musicians and comedians/actors, they have their own unspoken shorthand.  Are always a joy to listen to, but the material is mild, mostly lacking bite.  Not enough music, either.  Still worthwhile for fans with said tempered expectations. 

P.S. - One gag involves Spinal Tap's historic failed efforts to hold on to a drummer (one sneezes himself to death).  They recruit an enthusiastic young woman named Didi (Valerie Franco) whose fills positively dazzle.  I think the band Rush should play up the parallels to their own lineup when they tour next year.