Summertime, the perfect time to hit the road. Well, since gas prices are still a bit steep maybe we can travel the highways and byways vicariously through a pair of comic actors. Now if you think of two comic actors hitting the road younger film fans may think of David Spade and Chris Farley or Steve Martin and John Candy in the now holiday classic PLANES,TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES. And going even farther back there’s Bob Hope and Bing Crosby’s string of road pictures. Well here we do have two funny guys, but there’s no music numbers and no Dorothy Lamour. And they’re British comics going not to exotic faraway lands, but driving to Northern England. Still you’ll find THE TRIP a pretty engaging getaway.
Actor Steve Coogan has taken on an assignment from the Observer to travel the small villages of northern England and review their hotels and eateries. Since he’s just had a fight with his girlfriend, Coogan asks his buddy ( and TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY co-star ) Rob Brydon to accompany him. After picking up Brydon from the home he shares with his wife and child, the two begin their journey. Almost immediately the prickly Coogan and gregarious Brydon bicker. During their tour they compare the best way to do an impression of Michael Caine, and interpret the songs of Abba. Coogan tries to patch up things with his girl via cell phone, while enjoying a few quick romantic trysts, and mulling over an offer to star in a US TV crime show. Brydon is almosts always “on” and delights people on the road with his “small man in a tiny box ” TV character, much to the aggravation of Coogan. This occurs in between sampling the culinary delights and accommodations along the ( usually rain-soaked ) trail.
As I understand the film is based on a British TV series of the same name. After seeing the movie I hope to check this out as I enjoyed spending some time with these two talented performers. This might be considered a ‘mockumentary’ as they use their real names. But like Jerry Seinfeld in “Seinfeld” and Larry David in “Curb your Enthusiasm” these are really heightened versions of themselves. Movie Coogan is an egotistical, jealous, and vain fellow while Movie Brydon is an affable, happily-married everyman. Although they constantly clash, their affection for each other comes through. Director Winterbottom may be best known for his movie dramas ( A MIGHTY HEART ), but here he shows a flair for bringing out the best in these two comics. THE TRIP is an enjoyable journey shared with two very amusing ( and sometimes aggravating ) travel companions. It’ll be tough seeing Michael Caine and not thinking of these guys.
Overall Rating: Four Out of Five Stars
