"It goes to 11"

Rating: 7/10 (4 January 2006)

"This is Spinal Tap" by Rob Reiner is a rather funny and satyric glimpse at the life of a famous rock n'roll band. This documentary - "rockumentary" as Martin Di Bergi (a.k.a ) states in the opening sequence actually was a mock, since the band Spinal Tap never existed, and was indeed created for the purpose of this movie, which eventually became such a success that people really got to believe they existed, leading the "band" to record a "real" sequel to the movie's soundtrack, known as the "Break like the Wind" album.
The comical strength of the movie lies both in such absurd moments as the backstage food scene, the amp that goes to 11 or the 18 inches Stonehenge recreation that stands on stage, "in danger of being crushed by a dwarf", as well as memorable quotes and song lyrics. Even if the movie's "ultimate rock star movie" status may imply you need a solid rock n'roll culture to enjoy it, I guess fans of any kind of music can actually have fun watching it. Surely not an Oscar winner, but a big nice piece of fun.