Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Spinal Tap is a fictional band, and this humorous "mocumentary" about them highlights their failure. There are moments when the language gets a bit heavy with curse words, but these are short and sporadic. Violence and sex are almost non-existent in this film, except for the songs, which tend to be heavy with sexual innuendo. Lots of references to drugs and alcohol. Lots of the humor will go right over younger kids' heads.
Families can discuss the difference between a documentary and a mockumentary. But the movie can jump start a great discussion about the role of marketing in the music business. How much of their success (or lack thereof) does Spinal Tap owe to marketing versus their own (clear lack of) talent? What is Rob Reiner trying to convey to the audience about the music industry? How does this movie's subject matter relate to the current pop music scene?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Afsheen Nomai
When THIS IS SPINAL TAP was released, people truly thought it was a documentary about a real band. People would even come up to director Rob Reiner, telling him that he made a great documentary, but should have filmed a better known band. But make no mistake, while Spinal Tap is a tragic failure of a band, this film is top quality humor.
THIS IS SPINAL TAP is about a documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner), following the British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on their tour of North America in 1982. The band is besieged by bad luck (their drummers keep dying off under bizarre circumstances), poor taste, and questionable talent. The main members of the band, David (Michael McKean), Nigel (Christopher Guest), and Derek (Harry Shearer) are so over the top with their performances as rock stars that it's almost impossible for anyone to take them seriously, including their fans, their record company, and their manager(s). Classic scenes include Nigel talking about amps that go up to 11, the band attempting to harmonize "Heartbreak Hotel" at the foot of Elvis's grave, and, of course, Stonehenge.
THIS IS SPINAL TAP is solid entertainment, especially for those who are huge fans of rock music. The film is mostly ad-libbed by the actors, who all give side-splitting performances. While watching this film, you can't help but cringe and laugh at the band members as they deal with repeated disappointment and disaster.
Appropriate for rock music fans over the age of 13. Families that enjoy SPINAL TAP will want to check out other mocumentaries featuring the same comedy team such as, Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA lot of sexual innuendo, almost all songs lyrics are about sex. |
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ViolenceOne cartoonish scene where a man smashes things with a cricket bat. |
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LanguageAll major curse words used during conversations, mostly when people are angry. |
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Social BehaviorWhile the band members are tragic failures, they do pursue their dreams. Nobody engages in anti-social or criminal behavior. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSmoking, some casual drinking. |
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