Get ready to rock out (and maybe lick a love pump, or two) at the Rio Theatre with 41st Anniversary screenings of the iconic comedy satire THIS IS SPINAL TAP, which has been beautifully restored, remastered, and remixed in anticipation of the long-awaited sequel (THIS IS SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES - coming in September). Created by director Rob Reiner with stars and co-writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, THIS IS SPINAL TAP chronicles England’s loudest and most punctual band on their disaster-filled U.S. tour.

THIS IS SPINAL TAP pushed (or possibly created) the "mockumentary" genre with this pitch-perfect, hilarious spoof about the excesses of the rock n' roll lifestyle. Reiner (who also appeared as Archie Bunker's son-in-law on TV's ALL IN THE FAMILY) cast himself in the role of "director" Marty DiBergi, tasked with chronicling the life and times of Britain's loudest heavy metal band, Spinal Tap (co-writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer), during their American comeback tour.

"It stays so wickedly close to the subject that it is very nearly indistinguishable from the real thing." (The New York Times)

"... all these years later, their songs remain the same, the jokes are still funny — and in terms of fake movie bands, they still go to 11." (Rolling Stone)

"The funniest film ever made." (BBC)

Wednesday, July 16
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THIS IS SPINAL TAP (Rob Reiner, 1984 / 82 mins / PG) Legendary British rock band Spinal Tap is followed by a documentary film-maker during their attempt at an American comeback tour. The resulting film, interspersed with powerful performances showcasing Tap's pivotal music and profound lyrics, candidly follows the group as the difficult industry threatens to fade them into obscurity.