Spinal Tap is not responsible for your spontaneous combustion

In 1984, a film premiered that would bring the mockumentary format into the mainstream. Parodying music documentaries such as The Song Remains the Same (1976) and The Last Waltz (1978), it would go on to be a massive cult classic, inspiring such shows as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family. This film was called This is Spinal Tap, a fake documentary following a band struggling to stay together amidst the trials and tribulations of musical success in the early 1980s. One challenge they continue to face: All of their drummers end up dead under hilariously mysterious circumstances. For decades, fans have yearned for a follow-up film. And finally, 41 years later, we have the long-awaiting sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

To promote the film, the stars and creators of the film — Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), and Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) — conducted interviews entirely in character. And Mashable Executive Producer Mark Stetson took this as an opportunity to parody their parody, making a mockumentary of his own.

This short film follows "documentarian" Mark St. Etson, whose father died like so many Spinal Tap-inspired drummers before him — by spontaneously combusting. So Mark confronts the band about taking responsibility for their now-12 dead drummers. Does Mark find the peace he is looking for from the band?

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is now in theaters.

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