Spinal Tap II : The End Continues - is not quite so funny or iconic as the original - but still worthy - a gentler style of humour, still with plenty of laughs

’A brief mostly spoiler-free review’

So Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls need to get the band back together once more for one final contractual obligation. At the start of the film the 3 of them are living quite separate lives and have not spoken to each other for many years, decades even.

The premise for the film is very elegant - starting with getting the band back together once more, and then the build up, rehearsals and countdown to the final concert.

It’s a very musical film - with lots of musical interludes, and it makes good use of its 3 main celebrity cameos.

There’s also 2 fantastic segments on Nigel’s pedalboard - which were really enjoyable for me. At one point involving the Big Ear pedals Slice of Pie Pizza Fuzz - mostly played for comedic effect - for its shape - while the quacky sound it emits in the film - is not that of the original - it’s the shape / format here that matters the most!

I feel I laughed the most of those few of us in the auditorium (matinée show) - I’m not sure the other guys enjoyed it quite so much as me. Where it was pretty consistent laughs throughout for me - but, as mentioned not quite as full-throated as the original film.

Overall I really enjoyed the movie - but it’s not quite the triumph of the original, although it does have its moments - Tap fans should still very much enjoy it though - it’s a worthwhile effort for sure!

I’m even tempted to get the accompanying album!

I feel that for Tap fans it’s a solid 4 stars out of 5, while for others it will likely seem rather more unremarkable - and more of a 3 star experience