'Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues' Review: A Pleasing Lega-sequel of the 1984 Cult Classic
- Jack Ransom
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Jack Ransom -November 4, 2025
The universe works in mysterious ways sometimes. Earlier this year me and my mates watched This Is Spinal Tap and talked about how we thought the sequel was never going to happen and had been in production hell for years. Then lo and behold, the next day the teaser dropped for the sequel and a confirmed September release date for this year! Comedy lega-sequels are risky business, especially for cult favourites, however despite a few qualms and familiarly expected beats, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues was an easy watch gem that should hopefully please fans.
What is Spinal Tap II about?
Arriving 41 years(!) after the cult favourite, This is Spinal Tap, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues sees documentarian Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) follow estranged Spinal Tap bandmates David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) as they search for a drummer and prepare for a reunion concert in New Orleans.
Tonally Spinal Tap II perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the original, especially when it’s the lead trio milling about, musing and jamming together. Catching up with them in their currents careers: Nigel (a cheese and guitar shop), David (writing music for podcasts and phone hold lines) and Derek (running a history of glue museum), the film then swiftly reassembles the group as they rehearse for the show, plan promotion and record new tunes. Structurally it’s very similar to the first film, but is held back by some undercooked moments, with the 83 minute runtime being both a blessing and a curse.
The big question: Is it funny?
Thankfully for the most part that is a resounding yes, with a smattering of moments having me and my friend’s full on cackling. Nigel’s myriad of pedals, his surprise hidden guitar gimmick, the farting Big Bottom, song writing tension with Paul McCartney and potential marketing strategies for the band (appealing to the elderly audience and ‘Tap Water’). A couple of sequences do feel quite drawn out and it does tap (pun intended) into the very familiar territory expected from this lega-sequel comedy (cryptocurrency, Nigel’s brief puzzlement at their new drummer’s sexuality).
Stylistically this is a much glossier and streaming/polished looking affair than the first film. With less of the handheld, raw camera feel, instead with much more static movement and standard interview style of shooting. The band still sounds great, the bombastic gig finale pops off and Elton John’s additional vocals on Stonehenge and (Listen To The) Flower People are welcome.
McKean, Guest and Shearer still have top chemistry and their riffing, deadpan delivery and sarcastic, bewildered interactions haven’t aged in 40+ years. Rob Reiner’s enthusiasm as Marty DiBergi bounds off the screen (he’s clearly having fun back in this world). New additions include Ricky Gervais comedy staple Kerry Godliman as the band’s new manager, Chris Addison’s embittered, music hating money hungry agent and live wire new drummer Valerie Franco. Paul McCartney and Elton John are clearly having a ball as themselves and fans will be pleased with the myriad of other cameos.
Is Spinal Tap II a worthy sequel?
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is pretty much exactly what you expect and should please fans of the first film. There are some genuinely hysterical moments, the quirky humour and cast chemistry is still there and music sounds great. It does tick off a myriad of familiar traits and tropes for this type of flick and is hindered by the short runtime at points.
'Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues' is available now to Buy or Rent at home
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