The first reviews for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues have landed ahead of its theatrical release on Friday.
The mockumentary comedy, a sequel to the iconic 1984 film, follows estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) as they reunite for one last concert.
"[The film] also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favourite metal gods as they contemplate mortality - and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn't join them in The Great Beyond," reads the logline.
Featuring cameos from famous musicians Paul McCartney and Elton John, the highly-anticipated film comes 41 years after its predecessor, but it seems the legend of Spinal Tap hasn't diminished after the sequel has received a lukewarm response in early impressions.
You can read a selection of reviews below:
Variety
"The affectionate reunion of alter-kocker rockers plays like a greatest hits of past laughs, building to a thrilling live performance of songs fans know by heart, featuring guest appearances from several bona fide music gods."
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The Independent
"It might be the point that this belated follow-up to the 1984 classic is irrelevant, half-baked and poorly timed – but where are the jokes?... The pacing feels off, with punchlines delivered either far too late or far too early."
The Telegraph
"Despite some great lines and an inspired climax, the rock spoof’s sequel doesn’t come close to the comic genius of the original."
IndieWire
"A heart-on-its-sleeve, inoffensive and amusing sequel about the legacies we run away from only to come crashing back into them in middle or later age... Fans should be grateful to have Spinal Tap II: The End Continues as a totally uncynical reanimated ghost of I.P. past."
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IGN
"The return of legendary metal band Spinal Tap, some 40 years after the documentary that charted their slow descent from relevance, is a nostalgic and welcome reunion tour. Unfortunately, it’s not much beyond that."
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the mockumentary currently has an approval rating of 75% from the first 12 reviews, a marked decrease from the near-perfect mark of 98% that was set by its predecessor.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is in cinemas on 12 September.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
