This Is Spinal Tap

release year: 1982
genre: rock mockumentary
viewing setting: home DVD 1/27/24 and 11/16/00 and home laserdisc 7/18/97

synopsis: This film follows the exploits, trials, and tribulations of the (fictional) British heavy metal band Spinal Tap.

impressions: Hilarious! It had a number of great situations and lines, and many amusing imitations of things that can and do happen to real bands on tour. Of course, there were also imitations of things that don't really happen, like the drummer exploding on stage for no reason. Such is life in the rock and roll world. There are a lot of little things that you can miss if you're not paying attention, so I'd recommend that you use subtitles if your movie delivery method has them.

acting: Michael McKean is one of the two main band members, and Christopher Guest is the other (who's fairly dumb.) Harry Shearer is the other guitarist. Rob Reiner (who also directed) is the director of the documentary. There are a LOT of brief or cameo appearances, including: Billy Crystal, Bruno Kirby, June Chadwick, Fran Drescher, Howard Hesseman, Paul Shaffer, Dana Carvey, and Fred Willard.

final word: Fairly humorous spoof of the life and times of a rock band - and some pretty good music too!

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