This Is Spinal Tap
Seen it?1984 | 82 min | Comedy, Music
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 160 times its budget and people are still talking about it. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 22 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 92 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerVery strong
$400 million worldwide on a $3 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 982K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Rob Reiner
- Christopher GuestNigel Tufnel
- Michael McKeanDavid St. Hubbins
- Harry ShearerDerek Smalls
- Rob ReinerMarty DiBergi
- June ChadwickJeanine Pettibone
- Tony HendraIan Faith
- Bruno KirbyTommy Pischedda
- Ed Begley Jr.John 'Stumpy' Pepys
- Paul BenedictTucker 'Smitty' Brown
- Zane BuzbyRolling Stone Reporter