This Is Spinal Tap

 

This Is Spinal Tap 1984

• Director: Rob Reiner
• Seen by this director: The Magic of Belle Isle, Rumour Has It, Misery, When Harry Met Sally, Stand by Me
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Rob Reiner – The Wolf of Wall Street, EDtv, First Wives Club, Sleepless in Seattle, Postcards from the Edge, All in the Family
• Why? Vague memories of possibly liking it the first time
• Seen: Once before. Now 15 March 2024 

       A pretend documentary about a pretend British rock band on a US tour that is more or less a complete disaster. It’s a parody of hard rock bands in the early 80s but it’s uncomfortably close to being accurate. Most viewers find it hilarious, best rock film ever made and all that. It is kind of funny, especially the deaths of all their drummers, but it’s a little too close to reality to laugh all that much. The whole macho 80s hard rock scene is a little embarrassing. And kind of sad. As is the film. 

3* of 5