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11h ago

Spinal Tap Returns With Sequel, Album, and Book as Early Reviews Split

Reiner reunites the original trio, reviving his improvisational mockumentary approach.

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A scene from Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The classic 1984 movie recently got this sequel, plus a companion album and a new book.
Harry Shearer and Michael McKean in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
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Overview

  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is in theaters as part of a coordinated rollout that includes a companion album and Rob Reiner’s book A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever.
  • Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer reprise their roles, with the story following a long-delayed band reunion decades after the original.
  • Reiner says the production recreated a documentary feel with no marks, no prewritten dialogue, and a loose, improvisation-led set.
  • Reiner credits recovering rights to This Is Spinal Tap, following Harry Shearer’s lawsuit, with enabling the new project to move forward.
  • Early critiques note enjoyable reunion moments and some inspired sequences, while frequently finding the new laughs limited compared with the 1984 classic.