Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Review — A Long-Awaited Reunion

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Spinal Tap II Review: An Unexpected and Triumphant Return

Recent events have made *Spinal Tap II: The End Continues* a poignant, unexpected swan song for actor-director-producer Rob Reiner. Fans will recall the first film, *This Is Spinal Tap*, the acclaimed 1984 “rockumentary” about a fictitious British band on tour, filmed by director Marty DiBergi (Reiner). For this long-awaited sequel, Reiner reunites original cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer as Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, respectively.

The Plot: One Final Show After 40 Years

A mere 40 years later, director Marty DiBergi revisits the world of Spinal Tap. He meets Hope Faith (Kerry Godliman), daughter of the band’s late manager, who has inherited a long-overdue contract for one final performance. Since the band split 15 years earlier, Marty must regroup the trio. He finds lead guitarist Nigel running a cheese and guitar shop, lead singer David producing true-crime podcasts, and bassist Derek working as a curator for a glue museum. The three reluctantly agree to a final concert, enlisting tone-deaf promoter Simon Howler (Chris Addison) to handle arrangements.

Rehearsals, Rivalry, and Rock Royalty

The band travels to New Orleans to practice, hiring talented young drummer Didi Crockett (Valerie Franco) and keyboardist CJ “Caucasian Jerry” Vanston. Their long layoff reveals rustiness and reignites old tensions, particularly as David suspects Nigel once slept with his now-ex-wife (who has become a nun). The band receives advice from icons like Paul McCartney, and Elton John agrees to sing their famously botched hit “Stonehenge” at the farewell show. As the concert nears, Simon’s misguided ideas—from a personal trainer to suggesting a band member die on stage for impact—culminate in his abrupt departure to find his birth mother.

A Personal Viewing Experience and Lasting Talent

Having rewatched the original to prepare, I was unsure what to expect given the stars’ ages (77-82). I was more than pleasantly surprised by their continued musical prowess and on-stage agility. They genuinely play their instruments and wrote all the songs. The 78-year-old Reiner’s directorial sensibilities are a major asset, perfectly understanding his peers. Valerie Franco, in her big-screen debut, is an amazing drummer with boundless energy.

Star-Studded Cameos and Sharp Satire

Cameo appearances by Fran Drescher and music stars like Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, and Lars Ulrich are major pluses. The film delivers enjoyable, direct jabs at the music business and its star performers.

Final Verdict: A Sequel That Holds Up

Guest, McKean, Shearer, and Reiner make a strong case for “life begins at 70-plus,” creating a film bubbling with spontaneity. While sequels often disappoint, *Spinal Tap II* holds up remarkably well and is highly recommended for adults of all ages. Sadly, as the credits rolled, the stars’ hints at another sequel now seem unlikely following the passing of its creative genius, Rob Reiner.

How to Watch Spinal Tap II

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is now showing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max and various digital platforms.

Details

• Rating Certificate: R (for language including some sexual reference)
• Studios & Distributors: Castle Rock Entertainment | Bleecker Street | Stage 6 Films | Sony Pictures Releasing
• Director: Rob Reiner
• Written By: Christopher Guest | Michael Kean | Rob Reiner
• Country: USA
• Language: English
• Run Time: 84 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• 12 December 2025