Unique film, a Christopher Guest showcase, somewhat overrated.

Rating: Null/10 (1 November 2001)

SPOILERS - My first exposure to Chris Guest was his "Best in Show". I rented "This Is Spinal Tap" to see what all the fuss was about. I enjoyed it, but think it is somewhat overrated, much as "Best In Show", by the relatively few people who see these movies. I think it is a legitimate "7" of 10.

This is a parody of both documentaries and of the British rock bands. This band is pretty hapless, as are its members. It is done in the form of a series of interviews by Rob Reiner's character, with some good performances sprinkled in. A few genuine funny scenes, like the "Stonehenge" set that is built to the specification of 18 inches, instead of the desired 18 feet, because the 'Tap member who drew the rough sketch didn't know the difference between the inch and feet symbols.
As most Guest films, this one is just over 80 minutes. The DVD is very sharp and the sound quite good, plus the extras have lots of deleted scenes. The DVD is a "must own" for Chris Guest or "Spinal Tap" fans.