Overrated

Rating: 6/10 (25 June 2003)

Rob Reiner's "This is Spinal Tap" is perhaps one of the most overrated films I've seen. Despite the talent of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, and the apperances of many actors who would appear in the great mockumentaries directed by Guest ("Waiting for Guffman", "Best in Show", and "A Mighty Wind"), this film is a bore most of the way through. Certain moments are of interest, such as when the rock group played by the three actors can't find their way to the stage and when one of the members is showing a stereo with 11 being the highest number. But this mockumentary is horrible when compared to the mockumentaries Christopher Guest would later make. The reason why this film to me is a failure is very simple: Rob Reiner. I haven't seen a film of his yet, where he doesn't sell out to Hollywood. Guest doesn't sell out and his film, and remains at top to the end. I really think this film could have been better if it would have been a Guest-directed film.