The film This Is Spinal Tap from 1984 was widely praised but not a hit when it was first released, but over the years it's turned into a cult movie classic, a quirky touchstone of pop culture. Forty one years later, the sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is in select theaters, and it's a funny (sometimes very funny), nostalgic and somewhat obnoxious comedy.
There are a few major ways to process this film: as a sequel (on its piggyback qualities as well as stand-alone aspects); as a comedy about the music industry; as a film about aging: and as a film intended for fans of the original film.
The three key members of the fictitious British hard rock band Spinal Tap, which purportedly began in the mid-1960s, have not played together in about 15 years and are pursuing their own (oddball) careers. The daughter of their late manager informs them of their contractual obligation to play one more show, and it will be held in New Orleans. Guitarists Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) reunite with bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) and quibble about their music, their management, and more. They are followed around by eager documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi, who made their original film. They also find themselves saddled with a promoter who is rather shady; their original staff left the music industry. (There are short, humorous cameos of them starring Fran Drescher and Paul Schaffer, who were in the original film.)
A continuing running joke from the first film is about how anyone who signs on to be the Tap drummer dies in a bizarre manner. A handful of famous real-life drummers turn them down in cameos (Questlove, Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich) but finally a talented, very energetic young woman named Didi Crockett (Valerie Franco) takes the seat.
The band experiences its ups and downs and finally the big day arrives for the concert, and none other than Elton John is their guest second keyboardist. They run through their old "hits" but during a later number ("Stonehenge") a rather unfortunate incident occurs on stage. Throughout the movie there are references to the previous film and other jokes based on more modern trends in music and pop culture in general. A few "secrets" are revealed and the film ends on an unresolved note.
As a sequel, this is not the typical entry. Think of the Godfather trilogy, the Toy Story series, Harry Potter films or any other franchise: Spinal Tap II really is in its own category (just as was the original). Tap Two would not exist without its parent film, certainly, but this film, especially due to its forty-plus year gap, is in its own realm.
As a comedy, particularly focusing on the music industry, the film touches upon fandom, sleazy business folks, a few different genres of rock 'n roll (heavy metal certainly but also pop rock, psychedelia-progressive, folk, and more). Their new promoter Simon Howler, played by Chris Addison, had some good bits and dialogue but I found his character to be annoying and not funny enough. There are a wide variety of references to the music industry, and some are very funny, some endearing. Some of the sight gags made me laugh out loud: when Derek casually deals with an antique glue dropper stuck to his nose; when David tries on a piece of clothing for the stage and the wardrobe mistress scolds him because it's for her mother; and of course when the giant devil head swerves around and emits a huge, dusty fart. And if you know about the Stonehenge props from the first film, wait until you see what happens with Stonehenge this time!
As a film about aging, this might be a surprising entry. But the characters are not hiding the fact that they have aged, are not in nearly as fit shape as they were before, and while they have embraced aspects of modern technology, they are still befuddled by much of it. For instance, Nigel's cellphone ringtone is the annoying preset, not even one of his band's legendary songs. They spend a lot of time reminiscing, reflecting on their past achievements, although they also share about their unusual current business endeavors. (Managing a cheese and guitar shop; running a museum about the history of glue; and so on.)
As a film for fans, this film could either be a welcome old friend or a bit of a letdown. If you are open minded and want a fun and somewhat familiar group to laugh along with, Tap II will fit the bill. I enjoyed it greatly for this reason, but I could see how some fans would be disappointed because they wanted... more laughs? More throwback jokes and references? A rhapsodic experience? I have been a big fan of Spinal Tap since the movie debuted in 1984, and this sequel was a welcome viewing. I could definitely see myself watching it again, and fortunately I saw it first on the big screen where the concert scenes have a big, bold impact.
As a music film, the jam sessions, bits reprised from the original Tap, and the concert near the end are solid entertainment. Who would have thought that Paul McCartney and Elton John would be trading licks with Spinal Tap, which is really a manufactured band? It works better than you might think; both musical legends seem really into it.
As a film showcasing New Orleans, there are some humorous and touching parts. The band members are overwhelmed by the French Quarter house they stay in, with its ghost hunting tours marching in, a chef who serves them an authentic meal that gently freaks them out, and more. A scene with two buskers helps David put into perspective his friction with Nigel, and it is one of the gentlest moments.
The film will be funny for people who are not Tap fans, even unfamiliar with the first film but who at least have an appreciation for rock and pop music. For fans, there are many more jokes they will understand and appreciate. Some of those made me chuckle and a few had me laughing at length. There were times I whooped and clapped (I couldn't help it).
Although here and there some parts lagged, the film is less than 90 minutes long and is crisp enough not to feel like it needed more editing. Spinal Tap II is fun, and in its own league. I was surprised to note the R rating, which is mainly there for spicy language. See it, especially on the big screen, and enjoy it. Turn it up to eleven! By the way, I saw the film in a multiplex on Manhattan's Lower East Side...in Theater 10.
Should public libraries add this rock mockumentary sequel to their collections?
Yes—particularly libraries with strong collections in film, music, or cultural studies. Spinal Tap II belongs alongside the original as both a cult classic continuation and as a cultural text parodying the absurdities of rock stardom. For public libraries, it’s a crowd-pleasing comedy; for academic ones, it works as a companion in courses on media satire, the music industry, or aging in popular culture.
Is Spinal Tap II a good fit for campus or community screenings?
Absolutely. At under 90 minutes, it’s brisk, energetic, and best enjoyed with a crowd who can laugh together at its over-the-top gags. For community screenings, the mix of slapstick and music makes it broadly appealing—even to those who haven’t seen the original. For campus film clubs or media studies programs, it’s a perfect conversation starter about parody, intertextuality, and the endurance of cult films.
Enjoyed this review? Subscribe to Video Librarian today for access to over 40,000 pages of film resources tailored for librarians, educators, and non-theatrical audiences.