PLOT: The band reunites after a 15-year break for one closing live performance that can take a look at them, with humorous outcomes.
REVIEW: I’d think about This Is Spinal Faucet to be one of many biggest comedies of all time. Any mockumentary that has come since is the primary one to match it to, and it usually falls quick. And with the pattern of legacy sequels, it was solely a matter of time till the band acquired again collectively to attempt all of it once more. With Rob Reiner returning to the director’s chair, all the precise items of the puzzle had been in place. However with greater than 4 a long time passing, does it stay as much as the Spinal Faucet identify?
Spinal Faucet II: The Finish Continues follows Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls reuniting for an enormous closing present in New Orleans. Marty DiBergi is again to make one other documentary, and we see many acquainted faces alongside the way in which. Sadly, fairly just a few forged members have handed within the time between movies, and lots of of those are acknowledged. However we’re seeing loads of returns that I received’t spoil right here. This looks like a correct sequel, which provides these characters very satisfying arcs.
Christopher Visitor, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer haven’t missed a beat. They slip proper again into the footwear of their respective band members, and it’s such a nostalgia journey to see. However, just like the actors, these characters have aged and don’t fairly have the spunk of their youth. I appreciated that, because it doesn’t really feel like they’re making an attempt to recreate magic from 40+ years in the past. As a substitute, it really looks like we’re assembly up with these individuals a few years later, with them evolving. I used to be fairly glad that they weren’t simply making an attempt to recreate and replace previous moments. Don’t count on any “this goes to 11” scenes.
I believe it will likely be robust for non-fans to attach with Spinal Faucet II, because it’s very reliant on you understanding these characters and their dynamics. That’s to not say it’s inaccessible with out seeing the unique, however you undoubtedly get extra out of it. I additionally wouldn’t name it very laugh-out-loud. It’s extra of only a very amusing story that can have you ever smiling lots, versus laughing out loud. That may disappoint some individuals, however I used to be simply glad to see the band collectively once more and never really feel betrayed by their portrayals.
The music, which principally retreads what we’ve already heard earlier than, is superb. They actually haven’t missed a beat by way of their enjoying skill. It’s a bit surreal to see Elton John singing Stonehenge with such vigor. I’m additionally glad that they reigned themselves in concerning cameos, and they’re solely featured in the event that they serve the story. You’re going to wish to see this in theaters to get the entire musical expertise.
Spinal Faucet II doesn’t attain the identical stage as its predecessor, and that’s okay. It’s exhausting to recapture that form of magic. But it surely’s such a welcome return of those characters and by no means betrays what was established in that first movie. It’s nearly like hanging out with previous associates. And, like most individuals do as they become old, it’s extra about these characters coming collectively, with loads of genuinely honest moments. That’s to not say there aren’t some laughs, however it actually takes a backseat to simply telling the story of those three bandmates.
SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES IS IN THEATERS ON SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2025.
