This Is Spinal Tap

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Julian S. Guest, McKean, and Shearer find a shared wavelength here — Reiner knows enough to stay out of the way, and the result is alchemy. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/08/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R This Is Spinal Tap is a documentary-style film that tries to pull you into the chaotic, eccentric, and supposedly “legendary” life of the band Spinal Tap. It’s shot in a mockumentary format, showing the chemistry, the drama, the frustrations of touring, and the behind-the-scenes ridiculousness of life as a rock band. On paper, that should make for an entertaining ride, but in practice, it’s just a jumbled mess of random bits stitched together. I’ll be honest—I watched the sequel before I even touched the original, and that might have been a mistake. But honestly, after seeing both, it doesn’t even matter, because the second is just as awful as the first. I sat there the entire time asking myself, who actually listens to this band? Were they relevant enough to build the massive cult following the movie claims? Were they really selling out arenas, or were they just piggybacking on someone else’s popularity during that era? Because until this second film came along, I had absolutely no idea who Spinal Tap even was, nor had I ever heard a single note of their music. That says a lot. The direction is where this whole thing collapses for me. It feels like the filmmakers didn’t actually have a strong vision. Instead, they threw a bunch of ideas together, filmed some backstage antics, layered in satirical interviews, and called it a movie. Sure, the first one got away with it because it was “fresh” and “unique” in its time, but let’s be real—the novelty wore off fast. By the time the second film hit, people weren’t buying tickets. It limped through theaters and then disappeared, because audiences weren’t interested in watching the same tired formula rehashed. The humor itself hasn’t aged well either. What might’ve been funny or edgy back in the ’80s now feels dated, forced, and awkward. The acting, while intentionally campy, doesn’t land. The screenplay is scattered, and the pacing drags whenever they try too hard to make a joke stick. It honestly plays more like an inside joke among the cast and crew than a film for a wide audience. If you weren’t already in on the gag, you’re just left out. For me, This Is Spinal Tap is the kind of movie that might pop up on a poster years down the road, and maybe someone will say, oh yeah, I vaguely remember that. But in terms of legacy? It’s not going to stick. It doesn’t carry the kind of weight or creativity to withstand the test of time. Instead, it feels like a product of its era, one that has long since passed its prime. If you’re a die-hard fan of this band or this type of comedy, maybe you’ll find something to enjoy. But for me, it’s a complete miss. Disorganized, outdated, and overhyped, this is one rock-and-roll mockumentary that I don’t recommend revisiting. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 09/28/25 Full Review Kyle M Sporadically hilarious but not as funny as reputably preceded due to the targeted audience who immerse themselves with edgy music in volumed resonance. The non-converts of the very genre nonetheless checks this out per its cult status as an all-time classic, and recognize the influential creativity in the original, convincing craft that’s skillfully directed with layered approach attempting to dissect, or comprehend, a musician’s connective ambitions which were just as performatively devoted. (B) Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/23/25 Full Review Yash B "This is Spinal Tap" is an enjoyable mockumentary comedy classic from the 80s. The film's style really makes it feel like a documentary about a real band, and the songs are genuinely catchy to listen to. The comedy is pretty good and there were a few laughs, but I wouldn't say it is one of my all-time favorites in the genre. I think it is light, short, and entertaining, and I can see why it has such a following because it does feel so unique. Overall, it is an enjoyable comedy that really feels immersive and wacky in equal measure, and is a one-of-a-kind experience. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/17/25 Full Review Andrew A. This one goes to eleven Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/16/25 Full Review Jace T I used to be in a touring band, and this is a film my entire band loved. The hair metal band spoof of Spinal Tap is so legendary that there were and are many people who believe them to be a real band, and one of the dumbest bands of all time. There are so many quotable moments in the film and ton of laughs to be had. I am so excited they are coming out with a sequel this month and I can't wait to go see it! Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/15/25 Full Review Read all reviews

This Is Spinal Tap

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