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Writer's pictureTony King

This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Updated: Apr 29, 2021

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 5/5

A knee slapper that inspires filmmaking


If you look on my website, you’ll find a film called This is Sparzelburg….ring any bells? This is Spinal Tap is one of my all-time favorite films. It has inspired me to make more than one mockumentary film and yes, I’ve even showed it to my mom. She like it, I’m pretty sure. The film follows an absurd rock band on the fringe of fame and glory, whilst at the same time being fairly clueless. I love it.

The mix of capability and lack of capability in This is Spinal Tap is fantastic. It really goes to show even if someone seems “dumb” there is still potential for great things. The film parodies and mocks real-life bands and their internal dramas. Be it with the managers, fans, girlfriends or each other. This film touches on all of those aspects with great comedic timing, really good editing, and great acting.


This is one of the first well-known mockumentary films. Given this genre was new, people actually believed that Spinal Tap was a real-life band. On top of that, considering the film is almost entirely improvised, this goes to show how good of a film it is. It feels authentic and real and with the comedy you find yourself immersed in the story of this rock band. Iconic jokes, such as the amplifier that turns to 11, make this film very memorable.


Overall, the design of this film, the acting and concept are amazing. This film really has inspired my own filmmaking in a very direct way and it gets a 5/5 from me. Will I watch it again? Count on it. Should you watch it? Do yourself a favor and watch it. I can go on and on about This is Spinal Tap but I won’t, because I want you to go watch it for yourself.


Tony King



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