I DVR’ed it a while back when I had a free week of HBO, and finally watched it last night. Knowing that Rob Reiner is no longer with us, and why, did alter the experience, and the “II” thing is represented by a Stonehenge monument.
Without spoilering it too much, Elton John and Paul McCartney make cameos, and Chad Smith and Lars Ulrich turn down the drummer job.
I saw it before Rob Reiner was murdered, but I think now that fact will kind of darken the feel of the movie. Just knowing it is about to happen makes it sad to watch Spinal Tap II.
I had similar feelings. I’m glad they made the movie–not that it’s a ‘fitting send-off’ or anything of that kind. But maybe it’s a bit of a victory lap for people who made something that impacted the culture. This one, though not reaching those heights, is a respectable effort. Doesn’t have ‘cash grab’ vibes (for me) at all.
And man, Michael McKean still has a great singing voice.
I had to find out who the elderly woman drummer was, and on IMDB, she is indeed described as “Grandma Drummer.” I’m actually surprised they didn’t hire her.