I give this movie an 11/11

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2010)

I am shocked to learn that people older than me have not seen this movie, which came out before I was even born. "This Is Spinal Tap" is great on so many levels. For one, it deserves props for popularizing the genre of "mockumentaries" (or "mock" documentaries). Secondly, it is hands down the best satire on rock-'n'-roll AND the best mockumentary. Sure, there have been other decent mockumentaries and rock comedies; however, the film's brilliance remains unparalleled. Moreover, it is not nasty in its indictment of rock bands. As opposed to completely scorning its topic, it simply points out the foibles of rock-'n'-roll, such as how drumming can be a deadly job.
The film, furthermore, is full of unforgettable moments as well as brilliant performances by members of the fictional band Spinal Tap--- Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. As with the later Guest-penned mockumentaries (which I also love), much of the film is improvised. However, even the premeditated material is golden. Examples are the band's catchy songs that sound eerily authentic or smaller details such as critical reviews of Spinal Tap albums.
This film may be over a quarter of a century old, yet it will be relevant for years to come. Now that the 1980s are long gone, we can see the ridiculousness of all those hair bands. The fact that the creators of "This Is Spinal Tap" had this insight at that time makes the film all the more ingenuous.