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

How Mascot-errific Are the Mascots (And Everyone Else) in ‘Mascots’?

May 19, 2020

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CREDIT: Scott Garfield/Netflix

I’d been meaning to watch Mascots for a while ever since it arrived on Netflix in 2016. Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries represent one of the most significant trends in American comedy, after all, so I need to stay on the up-and-up. So on May 16, 2020, I decided that it would finally be the day. And then after that personal resolution, I heard the news of Fred Willard’s passing. And well, I had no choice at that point. It was almost as if Willard himself had left me a note saying, “If I die, please have fun by watching this.” He seemed like the sort of guy who would leave behind such a message. Thanks for the laughs, Fred!

CREDIT: Scott Garfield/Netflix

So now that I’ve watched, I’ve decided to rank several of the main actors by how much their acting embodies the spirit of mascots, which consists of a mischievous mix of adorable and devious, plus a dash of uncanny valley. My evaluations are based mostly on Mascots, with some consideration given towards their performances in other Guest films (where applicable):

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