What’s it about?

Spinal Tap 2 cranks the amps back up to eleven, reuniting the world’s loudest—and least self-aware—rock band for a reunion tour that’s part disaster, part love letter to the original. Returning to the beloved mockumentary format, the film follows David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) as they bicker, blunder, and somehow still bring down the house decades after their first brush with fame.

What’d we think?

Peter Linning says: Spinal Tap 2 never had a chance of reaching the incredible heights that the first film achieved, and it wisely doesn’t really attempt to try. The documentary style that its imitating reflects the age and status of it’s characters – they’re revered and respected (as much as is reasonable), but they’re not the rock gods that they once were. This is more about revisiting the beloved characters and leaning into the nostalgia of it all, while still hitting those familiar notes. There’s a warmth and comfort that comes from seeing the boys back together again, and just like the original it wouldn’t work nearly as well if they weren’t genuinely talented musicians. There’s some great stuff as they find their feet in the rehearsal space, audition new drummers, and play off each other both comedically and musically. It’s got the comedic energy of watching musicians jam together, and in the best way possible it feels more like an addendum to the original than a true sequel. It may not go up to 11 the way the first one was able to, but it’s got the consistency that only comes with experience.

Elizabeth Best says: From the opening chords, I had a dumb smile plastered across my face; it’s impossible not to grin when these guys are back together. The friendship between the band members radiates off the screen, making it feel less like a sequel and more like catching up with old mates you haven’t seen in decades. The film leans heavily on nostalgia, and while the big belly laughs are fewer than in the original, the warmth, chemistry, and sheer affection among the cast more than make up for it. It’s dumb fun in the best possible way—exactly the kind of comforting, low-stakes joy the world could use right now. The genuine musical chops on display and a handful of delightful cameos are the cherry on top. For fans of the first film or anyone craving a dose of feel-good rock ’n’ roll silliness, Spinal Tap 2 hits all the right notes. If the rating system would allow, I’d give it 11/10