The Last Tap

 

This evening, I went to the Coolidge Corner Theatre to take in a screening of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. 

I have been looking forward to seeing this sequel for some time. The anticipation built when I saw the original at the AMC Theatre in Boston Common over the Fourth of July weekend. That experience made me remember when first viewed the film in a theatre during my first year of university when I lived in Ottawa. A fellow named "Ozzy" Drukarsh and I saw the film at the Mayfair Theatre. At the time, he had viewed the film over 400 times and reciting the lines of the film much to the annoyance of those around us. It also made me remember when I saw the film at the Beacon Theatre in NYC in 2019 with Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner appearing in person for the 35th anniversary of the film. Much to my disappointment, Elvis Costello made a surprise appearance. 

When I was last at the Coolidge to see A Real Pain back in January, I noted the theatre had undergone a significant renovation. What I did not know was that there were several new theatres upstairs. Way upstairs. Five flights of stairs and my knees felt every bit of it. The theatre where Spinal Tap II was being shown was also difficult to find. Not quite as difficult as it was for Spinal Tap to find the stage that night in Cleveland mind you. But close enough.

Set 41 years after the original, the group reunites for a one-off concert in New Orleans after having not spoken to one another in more than 15 years. The concert comes to pass as a result of Hope Faith (Kerry Anna Godliman), the daughter of the late band manager Iain Faith (originally played by Tony Hendra who passed away in 2021), inheriting the band's contract which required them to play one last show. As a result, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) uneasily reconvene with documentarian Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) in the weeks leading up to the concert. 

Aside from internal tensions, there is the small matter of finding a drummer. Given the fact that 11 or 12 Spinal Tap drummers have died under mysterious circumstances, their attempts to recruit Questlove, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lars Ulrich of Metallica for the show prove unsuccessful. However, a Spinal Tap devotee Didi Crockett (Valerie Franco) earns the job all too aware of the curse which hangs over her drum kit. 

St. Hubbins spends much of the film bullying Tufnel and even Paul McCartney can't give a little help. Further complicating matters is Simon Howler (a Simon Cowell typed played by Chris Addison) who insists the octogenarian trio dance on stage like Taylor Swift. Howler evens critiques Elton John's piano playing to his face. Sir Elton joins Tap to perform "Stonehenge". Let's just say that they probably wish they had the 18-inch Stonehenge model from the first film.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues has plenty of laughs, but it doesn't quite go to 11 even if the music is quite good. While it was grand to see the boys again, I think they have gone this far and can go no farther. With apologies to The Band, this was the Last Tap.