This Is Spinal Tap

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This Is Spinal Tap ★★★½ Spinal Tap 1984 (R)

Pseudorockumentary about heavymetal band Spinal Tap, profiling their career from “England's loudest band” to an entry in the “where are they now file.” Hilarious satire, featuring music performed by Guest, McKean, Shearer, and others. Included are Spinal Tap's music video “Hell Hole,” and an ad for their greatest hits album, “Heavy Metal Memories.” Features great cameos, particularly David Letterman's Paul Shaffer as a record promoter and Billy Crystal as a surly mime. First feature for Reiner (Meathead on “All in the Family”). Followed by “The Return of Spinal Tap.” 82m/C VHS, DVD . Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Tony Hendra, Bruno Kirby, Rob Reiner, June Chadwick, Howard Hesseman, Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey, Ed Begley Jr., Patrick Macnee, Fran Drescher, Paul Shaffer, Anjelica Huston, Fred Willard, Paul Benedict, Archie Hahn; D: Rob Reiner; W: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner; C: Peter Smokler; M: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner. Natl. Film Reg. ‘02.