The Tap Remains the Same

There have been a boatlaod of "decades later" return sequels in recent years. Some are celebrations, some are returns and some are passing the torch. 

Spinal Tap II- The End Continues, is, by far, the best in show (see what I did there?) for this type of follow up film.

True to everything about Tap, the musical genre it exists in has so much ridiculousness involved that it is difficult to come up with any parody moments that are more over the top or goofy than what really happens in the world of heavy metal. And they do succeed in that area, but also in the smaller comedy moments that shine throughout.

Rock bands having reunions or "farewell tours" forty years after what was supposedly their announced "final concert" is almost as common as movie sequels these days. 

And the former members of Credibility Gap who embodied these band members have not lost a step in either improvisation skills or musical ability. Rob Reiner (Marty DeBergi) is still a perfect ringmaster for this group, steering their crazy ideas around in ways that keeps the story going, while allowing them to play.

Much like Spike Jones and the City Slickers, this gang are amazing musicians, who excellently portray being in a terrible band. (Thought the terribleness of the band, in either case, never extends to their performances which remain outstanding.)

The movie does an excellent job of covering new ground. There are short cameos of actors from the original, but it's the new cast, working with the band, that carries it forward. There's also a tighter focus this time around, with the plot as the lead up to the single reunion concert, rather than following a full tour. So many bands have done something like this, providing a lot of material to parody. But, as always, Spinal Tap has a huge mix of humor coming from other references and original ideas ranging from the subtle to the absurd. I thought it was cool that they placed in a shout out or two to one of the original influences of their first Rockumentary: the infamous "Troggs Tapes."

The fact that the original film has become iconic since it's release triggered a large number of famous musicians wanting to be a part of the new one, including a parade of drummers. Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John both perform with the band in ways that are musically impressive, true to who they are and completely hilarious. Plus Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood cover a song and Henry Diltz appears and take the soundtrack album photo.

The band has two new members. On keyboards is C. J. Vanston as "Caucasian Jeff." He's a experienced musician, songwriter, record producer and veteran of Christopher Guest's other improvised films (that he went on to make after the original Tap) and fits right in musically and comedically. 

On drums is newcomer Valerie Franco as Didi Crockett. The best description of her playing and performing abilities was stated by David (Michael McKean) in the interview where he called her "Alarmingly Good." She brings an insane amount of enthusiasm and talent to the band's numbers. On top of that, she is clearly just as excited as any of us fans would be to be sharing the stage with these guys, and it infuses the whole production with a boatload of energy. 

I really hope her blindfolded solo (as well as an extended version of the rest of the concert to be honest) are included as extras for the home release. She, along with the rest of the gang, were a joy to watch.

The songs are a mix of those from the first film, their 1992 and 2009 albums and some other  stuff. 

One of the reason's Tap kept resurfacing every so often was weird problems with the copyrights of the characters, where they would have to appear, in character in a certain time frame to not lose those rights. This has given us years (if sporadically) of fantastic interviews, albums and performances. I'm happy the gang has semi recently, legally sorted that out and secured the rights for everything. I think that's why we got this movie. But, even so, I sincerely hope that won't mean we've seen the last of Tap.

If all these real (and frequently terrible) eighties metal bands can keep coming out of retirement, "one last time" here's hoping the extremely talented and funny members of Spinal Tap will do the same.