Spinal Tap goes folky

A Mighty Wind is a fake documentary about the reunion of three once-popular folk bands.

Put together as a tribute to producer Irving Steinbloom by his son, also Irving Steinbloom (Bob Balaban), the concert features The Folksmen, whose only hit is over 30 years old; The New Main Street Singers, featuring an ex-porn star; and Mitch & Mickey (Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara), a dysfunctional duo who hate each other.

The live concert is to be broadcast live from New York’s Town Hall, but, not too surprisingly, things don’t go according to plan.

A Mighty Wind is more amusing than hilarious. Some of the film’s funniest moments feature Fred Willard as a promoter who has to be the centre of attention at all times.

Eugene Levy is superb as the burned-out Mitch, who spends his time living in his own little world.

Fans of director Christopher Guest’s previous films — This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, and Best in Show — will get a kick out of A Mighty Wind.

It’s another gentle parody that pokes fun at its subject — folk music — rather than trying to tear it apart. A refreshing change.

Docudrama, 12. 3/5