This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
I have been aware of the cultural influences from this mockumentary for years, and I was worried that the humor may be dated so many years, but for the most part it still holds up very well. I liked the gradual progression, where it starts “normal” enough so to speak, only to deteriorate further into the absurd, but the beauty is that it isn’t really absurd at all for rock and roll standards. The deadpan satire mostly lands well, and the best moment are little off hand remarks that you almost miss, that gave me the most laugh of loud moments. And the song lyrics! Cheesy and dumb, but then again, not really compared to actual heavy bands. A notable classic.
Criterion Challenge 2026 - 11. King Princess’s Top 10
Rating: 4