Here’s What Happens When ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’

September 13, 2025

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Still Tapping (CREDIT: YouTube Screenshot)

Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Valerie Franco, Kerry Godliman, Chris Addison

Director: Rob Reiner

Running Time: 84 Minutes

Rating: R

Release Date: September 12, 2025 (Theaters)

Sometimes I like to be deep and profound when reviewing a movie, and sometimes I like to review it according to a big ol’ goofy gimmick. But then other times, as in the case of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, I just want to say: this is a really funny movie! And we don’t even have to judge it on a curve of “Sequel to One of the Most Beloved Comedies of All Time.” It’s built on a clever new foundation: instead of being the biggest joke in rock ‘n’ roll, these metal gods are now pretty much universally beloved, but that doesn’t mean everything is working out perfectly. The comedy style is the same, but the jokes are fresh, and they made me laugh oh so much. Nigel, David, Derek, and Marty haven’t missed a beat! If you’re the type of person who suspects you might enjoy this, then I heartily recommend you do indeed go check it out.

Grade: The Tap Has Not Run Dry

Mini-Movie Review: ‘The Hustle’ is Too Loud and Outrageous to Pull Off a Satisfying Con

May 9, 2019

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CREDIT: Christian Black/Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Rebel Wilson, Alex Sharp, Ingrid Oliver

Director: Chris Addison

Running Time: 94 Minutes

Rating: PG-13 for Crude Makeup Jobs and Exaggerated Appetites

Release Date: May 10, 2019

Successful movies about con artists pull cons on their audiences, and we thank them for it, because that is how they derive their entertainment value. So as someone on the hunt for entertainment value, it is my solemn duty to sadly report that The Hustle (a gender-flipped remake of 1988’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) struggles mightily to keep its viewers guessing. There are very few surprises along the way until the very end, and you’ll probably be able to surmise the big reveal if you’ve seen the original, or if you’re just savvy enough with the genre. So that leaves Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson to do what they can by bouncing off against each other, which they do by leaning way too hard into their typical character types. Let’s put it this way: this is a movie in which someone eats a French fry that’s been dipped in toilet water, and there’s no good narrative reason for it. If that tickles your funny bone, then good on you, but it’s not especially relevant to any con job.

The Hustle is Recommended If You Like: Sticking raunchy humor into a genre where it might not fit

Grade: 2 out of 5 Sob Stories