This is Spinal Tap (1984)
This rockumentary goes to 11!
Presentation:
Comedies usually don’t make this list because humor is so subjective. Is it funny or is it not? Well this film had me rolling on the floor at some parts but maybe it’s best to go in not expecting a comedy. It begins slowly with about 20 minutes or the band’s backstory and you’re waiting for the laughs and there aren’t any. You think it’s going to be that subtle wit of British humor the whole way and then things ramp up in hilarity. Some of the jokes might not land as hard if you haven’t been in a band, but I think a lot of situations can be universally understood.
Conclusion:
I did not expect to laugh this hard. Even more-so, I didn’t expect to care about its characters. It’s a mockumentary about rock bands and presented as a parody, but there is actually a real storyline behind it. I found myself invested in the band and their fate, which is surprising when you’re expecting a comedy and there’s real heart at the center of it. It’s like finding a peanut at the center of your chocolate, a toy in your happy meal, or a snow day when you didn’t finish your homework. Because this film goes to 11!
Recommendations
So bad, it’s good?