This Is Spinal Tap

Watch This Is Spinal Tap

"Prepare to crank those amps up to eleven"
  • R
  • 1984
  • 1 hr 22 min
  • 7.9  (144,967)
  • 92

This Is Spinal Tap is a comedy movie from the year 1984, directed by Rob Reiner, who also starred in it alongside Michael McKean and Christopher Guest. The movie is shot as a mockumentary of a fictional rock band called Spinal Tap, and it follows their misadventures on a concert tour in the United States. The band members are lead vocalist David St. Hubbins (McKean), lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Guest), and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer). The story is narrated by documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Reiner), who accompanies the band on their tour.

The movie opens with Spinal Tap performing their hit song "Hell Hole," and from there the audience is taken on a wacky and hilarious journey through the world of rock music. The film brilliantly parodies the excesses and eccentricities of rock music culture, from the over-the-top stage shows to the indulgent backstage parties.

Throughout the film, the band experiences a series of comedic disasters, such as getting lost on the way to their concert venue, playing at an Air Force base to an empty audience, and a series of awkward interviews with DiBergi. The band's bad luck culminates in a concert at an amusement park, where a malfunctioning stage prop causes Nigel to become trapped inside a giant metal cocoon.

The humor in This Is Spinal Tap is dry and absurd, with a constant stream of witty one-liners and silly sight gags. The band members are portrayed as oblivious to their own shortcomings, and their attempts at rockstar bravado often backfire in hilarious ways.

One running joke throughout the movie is the band's obsession with amplifiers, and in particular, Nigel's custom-made amplifier that goes up to "eleven" (rather than the standard ten). It's a silly gag, but one that perfectly encapsulates the film's irreverent sense of humor.

The performances by the cast are superb, with McKean, Guest, and Shearer perfectly embodying their respective characters. Reiner also gives a great performance as documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi, who becomes increasingly exasperated by the band's antics.

In addition to the core cast, the film also boasts an impressive array of cameos by real-life musicians, including Billy Crystal, Fran Drescher, and Anjelica Huston.

This Is Spinal Tap has become a cult classic, beloved by fans for its clever satire and memorable moments. It's a film that can be enjoyed by anyone, whether they're a dedicated fan of rock music or just looking for a good laugh.

In conclusion, This Is Spinal Tap is a hilarious mockumentary that skewers the world of rock music and the excesses of fame. It's a brilliant piece of filmmaking that has stood the test of time and continues to entertain audiences to this day.

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 92.

This Is Spinal Tap
Description
Where to Watch This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Philo, The Roku Channel, Google Play and Microsoft Movies & TV. Some platforms allow you to rent This Is Spinal Tap for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1984
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 22 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (144,967)
  • Metascore
    92