Turning It Up to 11 Again: ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’ Review

Can Spinal Tap 2 The End Continues possibly live up to the mad genius of the 1984 classic? When it was announced that This Is Spinal Tap, the gold standard of mockumentaries, was getting a follow-up 40 years later, the collective groan from fans was almost audible. For starters, the words “belated sequel” are enough to send a shiver down any film fan’s spine. More often than not, they’re cash grabs that badly tarnish the legacy of a beloved original. Could this destined to be a sad, geriatric reunion tour that nobody asked for?

Recapturing that Old Familiar Feeling

The good news? It’s not a disaster. The bad news? It’s definitely not the original, and it was never going to be. The first film was a lightning-in-a-bottle moment, a pitch-perfect satire of rock ‘n’ roll excess that felt so real, some people actually thought Spinal Tap was a genuine band.

Replicating that magic in Spinal Tap 2 The End Continues decades later is a near impossible task. But what Rob Reiner and the gang have delivered is something else entirely: a surprisingly warm, funny, and affectionate victory lap that feels more like catching up with old friends than a desperate attempt to recapture former glory.

What is Spinal Tap 2 The End Continues About?

Spinal Tap 2 The End Continues picks up with David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) living their separate, decidedly less-rock-and-roll lives. Forced back together by contractual obligations following the death of their manager, the trio must put aside their decades-old squabbles for one last show.

Of course, documentarian Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) is back to capture every cringeworthy moment, hoping to reignite his own stalled career alongside the band’s. Spinal Tap 2 The End Continues’ plot is simple, but it’s the perfect excuse to get the boys back in the same room and let the comedic sparks fly.

The magic of the original was always the chemistry between McKean, Guest, and Shearer, and thankfully, that hasn’t faded one bit. They slip back into their dim-witted personas with an ease that’s both humorous and a little bit touching.

Does The Sequel Live Up To The Hype?

Spinal Tap II is less a groundbreaking mockumentary and more of a greatest-hits compilation. That’s not a bad thing. It brilliantly leans into the nostalgia, revamping classic gags like the infamous and hilarious Stonehenge incident, but with a witty, updated twist. The film also takes aim at the current (rough) state of the music industry, with Chris Addison delivering a brilliant performance as a tone-deaf PR exec who suggests the aging rockers try TikTok dances. Wow.

The sequel’s biggest strength, however, is its star-studded lineup of cameos. While the original was a cult hit, the sequel arrives with the full weight of Spinal Tap’s super legendary status. (Does it go past 11?)

Seeing icons like Paul McCartney and Elton John gleefully playing along is a testament to how deeply the first film resonated with the very artists it was parodying. McCartney, in particular, nearly steals the show in a scene where he tries to help the band with a song, only to be dismissed as “toxic.” It’s a perfect, laugh-out-loud moment.

What Are The Critics Saying?

The initial reviews for Spinal Tap 2 The End Continues are a mixed bag, which is to be expected. While Variety calls it an “affectionate reunion” that plays like a “greatest hits of past laughs,” The Independent questions the film’s relevance, noting that “the pacing feels off.” Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a respectable score, but it falls short of the near-perfect rating of its iconic predecessor.

Most critics agree that while the sequel lacks the sharp, innovative edge of the original, it succeeds as a heartfelt and genuinely funny farewell. It’s a movie made for the fans, by the fans. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it does take it for one last, glorious spin. If you’re a die-hard Taphead, you’ll find plenty to love.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is in theaters now.