MovieChat Forums > This Is Spinal Tap (1984) Discussion > I didn't think it was that funny...

I didn't think it was that funny...


I had heard this was supposed to be one of the funniest movies ever made but at most I just chuckled at some parts. When an hour or so had passed, I had given up on trying to find this movie hilarious and watched it till it ended just because I almost never stop watching a movie, I have to see the whole thing before judging.
Was it something I didn't understand? Was there a reason I just didn't think this movie was so great?

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Just wasn't your thing.

I'm the same way with Animal House. I don't really find it funny apart from a few chuckles.

Can't stop the signal.

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Same here, never found it funny. I only watched it because I was in love with Kevin Bacon at the time; Footloose. So I rented 'Animal House' to see him. I've tried watching it as an adult and still didn't find it funny either.

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Comedy is a particular thing.
Don't worry if you don't like it. But you gave it a shot and that's all you can do.

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Those who will find this the funniest came of age anywhere between the 60's and the 80's. Spinal Tap is a lampoon of several genres of pop music, particularly hair bands of the 80's but there are many references to bands from the 60's and 70's as well, and they are well recognized by officianados of the music. There is nothing wrong with your not liking it and if some of the trolls which infest these message boards try to tell you otherwise tell them to take a long walk off a short pier...

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I guess some people need a laugh track to let them know something is funny. Or slapstick like the three stooges. Personally, I couldn't breathe in several parts, and had to pause to catch my breath. Aside from Howard Hessman telling Ian that they need to get going so they can sit in the lobby and wait for their limo - crying/laughing again - the Air Force base visit and the confusion over military time had me practically peeing myself! Seriously! Dying laughing!

"...start playing at 1900 hours."
"When will that be?"
"It's about 1830 hours right now."
"So that's what, 50 hours?"
"Hundred and twenty hours?"
"That's actually about 30 minutes, give or take a few minutes."

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I started snorting and laughing outloud just reading that bit!

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Thanks! I did the same when I watch it.
Start at 1900 hours
So, like 50 hours?
No, 120 hours.

So that's

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Yes! This and Stonehenge will never get old.

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Well that's just nit-pickin' innin it?

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Yep! Every time I watch it I catch something I missed the previous time.

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Watching it now and I'm lol'ing at Nigel with the mini bread sandwich tray.
I find this film hilarious. It's not for everybody. Comedy has different personalities.
Me, i can't see how people think Will Ferrell is funny. But Spinal Tap is definitely special.

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It's because you have no soul.

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Dead pan or flat humour often goes over people's heads. Its one of those things where if you never found it funny or were compelled to find it funny through some sort of coercive upbringing you probably never will.

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either that or under one's feet...

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It's supposed to be funny in the same way that Andy Kaufman is supposed to be funny

The fact that there's no joke is the joke, and the viewer has been conned.

~ That's much too vulgar a display of power, Karras.

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No. It's a comedy. You either laugh or not.

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