Film: This Is Spinal Tap

Tonight, went to a film - top of the list was This Is Spinal Tap, a mockumentary about a fictional rock group. 40 years old, and I hadn't seen it yet - it was about time! Showing in the Prince Charles (PCC), and with it practically sold out for the early showing, and completely for the late one, I booked the early one - which at the last minute shifted to the large screen. This is becoming a habit here! Booked to eat in Bella Italia afterwards, of course.

With the screen shift came a time shift - it was now showing 10 minutes later, and I was to be grateful for it, as things ran late. And as sometimes happens, I had a last-minute toilet requirement - so, having just missed my bus (and I hate how you can see it long before you get to the stop), if I wanted to make it in time, it had to be Tube. So, that's what I did - and of course, it was roasting, but I got a seat when I changed to the Northern Line. 

In fact, I made it in time to run to Gregg's - I was starving. I tell you something though - I won't be getting a steak bake from there ever again. It wasn't just lukewarm, it was actually cold by the time I finished it. I hear it's been a complaint for years. But I was starving, and finished it - just in time to get to the cinema, where I grabbed Maltesers and wine (and how handy that the screening was now adjacent to the bar) and went in. And as usual, with the reschedule, there was open seating.

Yeah, the film is funny - how much is up to the person, of course. But it's very nicely balanced, being just realistic enough to be half believable, then throwing some subtle zingers in there to make it ridiculous. Like the scene (shown in the trailer) where the "documentary maker" is questioning one of the "band" members on why all the speaker dials go up to 11. Nice and subtle, nothing too in-your-face. Also nice is where they've positioned the band's musical style - coming out of a kind of early Beatles incarnation, to the flower power of the late 60s - as seen in old tv clips - apparently straight through to a kind of hard rock act primarily focused on a mix of sexual innuendo and a kind of faux mysticism, as seen in their hit Stonehenge, where they dress in cloaks and have, em, dwarves dance around a mock Stonehenge monument. No wonder the documentary maker asks why they seem to appeal primarily to young boys..!

Also stars Patrick Macnee, as a record company exec. Of course, there are extra scenes over the closing credits. And well now, there's a sequel, with them as old men! We get a trailer at the end of this film.. lots of other stars coming along for the ride, by the look of it. Afterwards, a short walk to the restaurant, where I ate till I was stuffed - and sat a bit inside for once, as it was getting chilly.

Tomorrow, back with CT for a play called Saving Mozart at The Other Palace - hoping for a musical accompaniment to that. Well, they only play musicals here!

On Thursday, the start of another run of Meetups - the first monthly social in months held by The Hideout and their sister group, Movie Roadhouse London (MRL).. whee! The organiser has been busy with family matters, you see - and there's really nobody like him for organising a social. Happening in the Balcony Bar of the Riverfront Bar at the BFI, as usual, and I've booked The Archduke for beforehand.

On Friday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for The Pitchfork Disney. Showing in the King's Head Islington, it promises to be a rather weird, and thought-provoking, look at the nature of fear. Goodee!

On Saturday, back with The Hideout and MRL for the 50th anniversary showing of Jaws - at the BFI Imax! Now, that should be spectacular..

On Sunday, back with The Hideout for The Toxic Avenger, at the PCC again - well, the organiser plumped for a free ticket for me, so..

And on Monday, I'm headed to Every Brilliant Thing, a play about depression at Soho Place. Four different actors are taking the part in succession - I'm getting Jonny Donahoe. Eating at The Royal George, Soho beforehand.