STACK #255 January 2026

MOVIE FEATURE

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GENRE: Comedy musical RUN TIME: 1h 24m

12 DRUMMERS LATER: SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES Forty-one years after the release of groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap , the band are finally back together.

N ot that they especially want to see each other again, the now-estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) were forced to reunite for one final concert in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues . The legendary Rob Reiner does double duty as both director while also playing beleaguered documentarian Marty Di Bergi, who is once more trying to capture his favourite metal gods as they contemplate mortality, and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join their predecessors in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap II wrestles with their chequered past to put

feel like a rock-history-meets-mockumentary reunion. If Reiner has largely avoided making sequels, the unexpected cultural resurgence of Kate Bush via Stranger Things , combined with the first film’s enduring popularity, ultimately

propelled the long awaited reunion.

Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, and Rob Reiner.

If Stonehenge, or rather a miniaturised version of it, will forever be synonymous with the original film, then “the band” actually recorded live concert footage at the real Stonehenge in August. But it’s not included in the sequel, instead it's reserved for

of nostalgia, but also a sense of mortality and reunion, as the band is reconciling their

FUN FACT

pasts, their differences, and getting themselves together

on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ’n’ roll. In terms of tone, expect familiar irreverence, absurd situations, and a satirical eye towards rock absurdity. The film brings with it a dose

Due to poor management, Guest,

for what might be their last big performance. At the same time, they’ve thrown in a few surprises. The cameos from music legends the likes of Elton John and Paul McCartney makes the whole thing

McKean, and Shearer earned only $98 in music royalties and $81 in merchandise between 1984 and 2020, until they regained control of the rights after a long legal battle.

a further cinematic release as the film-concert Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale in 2026. Gill Pringle

• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is out Jan 14

GENRE: Documentary RUN TIME: 1h 47m

JIMMY BARNES: WORKING CLASS MAN No Aussie rocker is more iconic than Jimmy Barnes.The Cold Chisel frontman and solo star has dominated stages for five decades, thrilling generations of fans.

N ow, he bares his soul in Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Man , adapted from his best-selling book and stage show, and the follow-up to Working Class Boy . Raw, personal, and unflinching, the film explores addiction, neglect,

When you set out to tell your story in Working Class Boy , did you always know there would be a follow-up in Working Class Man ?

Looking back on the excess, chaos, and relentless touring, was it difficult to recall the details with the clarity needed for such a personal story? Fortunately, or unfortunately,

• Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Man is out Jan 21

I set out to tell it all as one story, but as I started writing, I soon realised that to understand my life as a man, I would have to

self-doubt, and the power of family. We put some questions to Jimmy about the film, and he answered candidly.

depending on how you look at it, I remembered everything. I see it as a blessing. There were small

face up to my life as a child. Writing Working Class Boy was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. You’ve explored Working Class Man in three ways: the book, the stage show, and now the film. Which version left you feeling the most exposed or vulnerable? They all left me feeling vulnerable. It’s not easy to lay bare all the mistakes in one’s life. But at the same time, it gave me the opportunity to see clearly all the love and support from my family that was always there.

details that were clouded but the real things, the things that mattered, were as clear as day There must still be plenty of stories left to tell. Is there a chance we’ll see Working Class Three ? Depends how long I live. Life goes on. There will be new challenges and new dramas, I’m sure. Maybe Working Class Three will be a celebration of grandkids. Who knows? Glenn Cochrane

Jane Barnes

READ THE FULL Q&A WITH JIMMY BARNES ONLINE FROM JANUARY 19.

Jimmy Barnes with band members

Photo credits: Rhys Luscombe

JANUARY 2026

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