‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’: Should Have Left Well Enough Alone

This decades-late and many dollars short sequel is a far cry from the 1984 cult classic.

(L–R) Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), and Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) performing, in “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” Kyle Kaplan/Bleecker Street

R | 1h 23m | Comedy, Satire, Parody, Spoof, Music | 2025

A legacy sequel no one asked for or was expecting, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” (“The End”) all but obliterates much of the cheer and goodwill amassed by the 1984 original. That film, “This is Spinal Tap” (“Tap”), revived the rock mockumentary genre, which began with 1978 Beatles parody, “All You Need Is Cash.”