sure to become a classic

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 1999)

On the chance that there's a few out there that haven't yet seen "This is Spinal Tap", do yourself a favor and rent this hilarious film.
Directed by Rob Reiner, it is in the form of a documentary on the first North American tour of a fictitious rock band ('Spinal Tap') which is rapidly plummeting to the bottom of the charts. It has more riotously funny moments than even some of Mel Brooks stuff. My favorites - the amplifier ("but this one goes to 11"), the Stonehendge set, "what's the name of that tune you're playing", the airbase concert, and on and on. The dialogue is brilliantly funny, capturing perfectly the egotistical pretentiousness and intellectual vapidity of many of those in the entertainment industry. Rob Reiner himself plays the documentary film maker, and watch for cameos by Ed Begley Jr., Billy Crystal, Patrick Macnee (remember John Steed?), and Paul Shaffer.
Rumor has it that the documentary style of this film was so convincing that a good many shall we say cerebrally challenged viewers thought it was real, a fact which only adds to the hilarity. As a result of this film the 'band' members (all of whom actually play) started doing actual appearances as Spinal Tap, and the big question is how many attending their concerts are aware that it's all a put on.
'Spinal Tap' is going to become a classic comedy, and if you haven't seen it yet and are looking for some laughs, rent it.