Common Sense Media Review
Hilarious rock mockumentary has language, sex references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
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This Is Spinal Tap
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a hilarious mockumentary about a fictional rock band, blending sharp humor with rock-and-roll themes, though it contains strong language and edgy sexual content that some viewers feel is exaggerated for its R rating. Despite criticism regarding its profanity and suggestive lyrics, many find it a classic comedy that resonates well with music fans and offers a fun viewing experience for mature teens.
- mockumentary humor
- strong language
- edgy content
- rock and roll
- timeless classic
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THIS IS SPINAL TAP, documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) follows 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).
Is It Any Good?
Make no mistake, while Spinal Tap is a tragic failure of a band, this film is top-quality humor. When This Is Spinal Tap was first released, many people truly thought it was a documentary about a real band. They would even come up to director Reiner, telling him that he made a great documentary but should have filmed a better-known band.
This Is Spinal Tap is solid entertainment, especially for those who are huge fans of classic rock music. The movie is mostly ad-libbed by the actors, who all give side-splitting performances. While watching the film, you can't help but cringe and laugh at the band members as they deal with repeated disappointment and disaster. Classic scenes include Nigel talking about amps that go up to 11, the band trying to harmonize "Heartbreak Hotel" at the foot of Elvis' grave, and, of course, Stonehenge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the mockumentary style of This Is Spinal Tap. What's the difference between a documentary and a mockumentary? How can you tell which is which?
The movie can jump-start a 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 director Reiner trying to say to the audience about the music industry?
How does this movie's subject matter relate to the current pop music scene?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 1, 1984
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2004
- Cast : Christopher Guest , Harry Shearer , Michael McKean
- Director : Rob Reiner
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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