Review of Still Crazy (1998) by Barnaby E — 09 Mar 2009

Everyone quotes 'Spinal Tap' as the quintessential rock mockumentary but this is definitely on a par, if not better, than that magistry of rock. Perhaps it's the more British feel (even though 'Spinal Tap' were supposed to be British) and the more structured feel, which evolves from a great script by Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais, rather than improvised scenes by the 'Spinal Tap' alumni of Guest, Shearer and McKean.

All of the cast are effortless in their roles, with the exception of Rachel Stirling and Hans Matheson who don't really have much to chew on with their genius guitarist and groupie-to-be coupling that never quite seems to gel as young lovers.

However, everyone else really do have a great chemistry and inhabit their roles perfectly. The songs are decent, the direction and editing are adequate, but the overall premise and star turns raise it above the middling affair that it could've been.

There's something of the dark spirit of 'Withnail & I' permeating this film, which is only enhanced more by the extended cameo from Bruce Robinson.