fair start for Guest

Rating: 6/10 (23 June 2001)

After having just seen 'Best of Show,' I can see the many similarities in these two movies. Many of the same actors appear in each, the dialogue flows in the same way, and the comedy employs satire, visual humor and free association humor. 'Best of Show,' however, uses each of these facets superbly more efficaciously.
For one, 'Spinal Tap' has no plot. The band goes on tour, it doesn't go well, so they get another tour. Yes, it is based on a true story; but I'm sure the real band had some conflict, tension, climax, and conclusion, in their careers. Some tension was even hinted at between David's wife and Nigel, but nothing comes of it. The David/Nigel conflict itself is under developed, as is the reunion.
Also, the visual humor directed at the Tap wardrobe gets old fast. It's funny - for a few minutes - to see the 80's rock style with the long scrappy hair and loud hot pants. The same diminishing humor can be equated with the rock behavior during the concerts - concerning the spread eagles and facial contorsions.
'Best of Show' gets past this decreasing utility by scripting a wide array of unique characters - showing that Guest had learned from his mistakes. Since 'Spinal Tap' cannot do this, other types of humor must be used to fill the void.
The off the top of the head free association humor is what this crew does best. The "11" scene and the "little bread" scene are perfect examples. These amount to really to only enjoyable parts of the movie.
Basically, this movie represents a nice early try and good attempt for Guest and company. His later films correct many of the lackings of 'Spinal Tap.' So it's good as a historical film for anyone interested in this cast.