This is Hilarious

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2010)

This is an inspired rockumentary or mockumentary about legendary British heavy metal band Spinal Tap trying to make a comeback on an American tour. It is such an audacious directorial debut for Reiner, who also plays a filmmaker documenting the comeback tour, that he has yet to make a better film. It's brimming with hilarious moments (interviews, song lyrics, stage performances, internal squabbles). What really makes it work is that McKean, Guest, and Shearer look totally believable as band members. Highlights include the rant about miniature sandwiches, the Stonehenge fiasco, the band unable to find the stage in Cleveland, and the amp that goes to 11.