Rob Reiner’s Final Movie Is An Instant Streaming Hit On HBO Max

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Filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michel Singer Reiner, passed away on December 14th, coinciding with a surge in popularity for his newest movie. The timing is especially touching because the film is a sequel fans had anticipated for over 40 years. Now, many more viewers are starting to watch, and the movie’s humorous look at a celebrity’s life and career resonates with audiences in a new and more meaningful way following the news.

Industry experts report that Rob Reiner’s Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is currently the fourth most popular movie on HBO Max, after being released on December 12th. The original This Is Spinal Tap is also available on the streaming service, currently ranking at number seven. These rankings are likely to change significantly as news of Reiner’s death spreads. Many fans will likely turn to the comedic relief of Spinal Tap as a way to cope with the sad news, making it a fitting choice for viewers.

What Is Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Story & Cast Info

Rob Reiner’s 1984 film This Is Spinal Tap is considered a groundbreaking comedy, pioneering the now-popular “mockumentary” style. Reiner plays Marty Di Bergi, a filmmaker documenting the hilariously disastrous 1982 American tour of the fictional English rock band Spinal Tap. The film’s use of satire and visual humor heavily influenced comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation. It also launched the careers of many comedic talents, including Christopher Guest (Best in Show), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), Dana Carvey (Wayne’s World), Billy Crystal (City Slickers), Paul Shaffer (known for David Letterman), Fred Willard (A Mighty Wind), Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family, John Wick), and numerous others.

Okay, so I just saw Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, and it’s classic Marty DiBergi – that’s director Rob Reiner, by the way – doing what he does best: mockumentary. This time, he’s back with the legendary Spinal Tap, documenting what’s supposed to be their final, final show. The story kicks off when he visits the daughter of their old manager and discovers a contract forcing them to play one last concert. What follows is a hilarious journey as he tries to capture the band’s reunion and this one last performance, which they’re promising will really be the end of their career. It’s a fun ride if you’re already a fan, and a pretty funny introduction to the band if you’re not.

Critics weren’t overly impressed with Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, giving it a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences loved it, with a 90% viewer score, showing that fans enjoyed director Rob Reiner revisiting his signature comedic style. The sequel explores different themes now that Reiner isn’t involved, focusing on ideas of aging, mortality, and reflecting on a creative life’s work.

As a big Rob Reiner fan, it’s just really nice to hear he had a chance to look back on his amazing career with all the people he’s worked with and loves. And honestly, it’s a perfect excuse to revisit his films and have a good laugh – a laugh for him, you know?

This is Spinal Tap and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues are both streaming on HBO Max.

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2025-12-15 20:40