Directed by Rob Reiner, This is Spinal Tap is a `r...

Rating: Null/10 (14 May 2003)

Directed by Rob Reiner, This is Spinal Tap is a `rock'umentary of the fictional European heavy metal band Spinal Tap. The film pokes fun at the numerous stereotypes of heavy metal `hair bands'. Dubbed as the world's loudest band, with amplifiers set to 11, Spinal Tap embarks on their first U.S. tour in years. During this period Marti DeBergi follows the band making his documentary. The scenes throughout the movie vary from interviews and concerts with the band, to the backstage and offstage life of its members. The band was formed by guitarists and vocalists David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel. Oddly, they began as an upbeat pop band, which is portrayed as a Beatles-like group. They eventually decided to take on the genre of rock and roll and, after many name changes, settled on the name Spinal Tap. The film makes fun of the ever-changing lineups of modern rock groups, having all of Spinal Tap's past drummers need to be replaced due to odd deaths such as a freak gardening accident, choking on vomit, and on stage spontaneous combustion. During scenes of concert footage of the band, we are treated to their satirical lyrics of songs such as Big Bottom, Hell Hole, and Sex Farm Woman. In a likely not too far off exaggeration of real rock bands, Spinal Tap argues constantly about practically everything. At one point manager Ian Faith quits after a long argument with the band and David's girlfriend over the miniature Stonehenge prop on stage. During a concert soon to follow, Nigel walks off and quits in the middle of the show. Eventually the band reforms for its tour in Japan, but ultimately stays on its downhill path. The satire and realistic feel to this film makes it a classic comedy.