We'll always have "Spinal Tap"

We got around to streaming “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” the other night. Probably not the best timing, so soon after the murder of Rob Reiner. It tended to mute the laughter every time he was on screen as his character Marty diBergi.

Still, it was funny. Not as funny as the original; sequels never are. But there was at least one laugh in every scene. And the appearance of various real-life stars — including Paul McCartney and Elton John — seemed like a fitting if unintentional tribute to Reiner’s career now that he’s gone. You had to chuckle at Sir Paul praising the lyrics of “Big Bottom,” and Sir Elton being asked to tone down his piano playing.

Reiner seemed like one of the good guys in an industry where good people are rare. You could infer that from his sense of humor and the nuance he brought to every script and genre. You could also infer it from the malevolent glee his death elicited from dotard-in-chief DonaldTrump. Being hated by a hateful dolt is its own kind of tribute. We should all have such enemies.

Looking back at his filmography, I’d say “Stand By Me” and “The Princess Bride” are my favorites. Of course they are. But all his movies are pretty good. Even the rom-coms, a genre I try to avoid. 

Then there’s horror. I was unaware until just today that Reiner directed “Misery,” which is about as far from “When Harry Met Sally” as you can get. I’d add that to my tribute streaming list, except I have a very hard time with that sledgehammer scene.