In a follow up to the smash hit comedy The Trip, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon team up to take another culinary trip, this time exploring Italy. The film attempts the impossible, making a sequel as good as the original, and left me pondering four ingredients that helped make this possible.
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| Thanks to Madman |
Naturally the scenery of Rome, Tuscany, Amalfi, Ligurua .and Capri is spectacular and the food delectable, but there’s something else that lifts The Trip To Italy above your average culinary road movie.
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| Thanks to Madman |
The Actors
It’s impossible to think of this movie without the two great actors Cogogan and Brydon. Their free flowing improvisations soon swells the case to near twenty, including the likes of Al Pacino, Hugh Grant, Tom Jones, Robert De Niro, Roger Moore and Marlon Brando.
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| Thanks to Madman |
Moviegoers who’ve seen the original film will be pleased to hear there’s an extended Michael Caine-off as both challenge each other to give their best Caine impersonation. The challenge inevitable considering that Brydon had hired a Mini for their Italian trip.
The Approach
The unique approach used in the original movie is maintained. Part fiction, part improvisation, it makes the audience feel like they’re eavesdropping on the more interesting table next door. At times you know you should look away but you just can’t help it.
The Heart/Writing
At the heart of the movie is a story about two men on a midlife hiatus, one having found his moral compass, the other in danger of losing his. The movie touches on the reality of life on the road away from family and friends. It also raises questions about a time before the now all too easily accepted, almost expected, one night stands and affairs. Make sure you stay until the very end.
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| Thanks to Madman |
The movie delivers some of the funniest lines in ages that had the audience laughing out loud right from the outset. The rapid fire laughs slow to a more manageable pace as the men trace the footsteps of Byron, relive Roman Holiday and visit Pompeii, where Brydon reprises his ‘Man in a Box’, to brilliant effect. This alone is worth going for.
The Sound Track
Road movies almost demand a good sound track, and on this occasion Alanis Morrisette featured heavily, especially her debut album Jagged Little Pill. But rather than be used as a background emotional device, her songs were front and centre, being sung along to and hilariously dissected by the actors as they drove along the scenic roads. While the inclusion resulted in a spike in Morrisette album sales, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to the album again without giggling.
As I left the premier I pondered:
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The Trip is like three movies in one, food, travel and voyeuristic comedy;
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It’s not often that everyone who RSVP’s to an event turns up, including local chef extraordinaire Anna Gare, a sure sign of it’s popularity.
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I’d love to know what Michael Caine thinks about their Caine-off.
The Trip To Italy starts on Thursday at Cinema Paradiso; Windsor Cinema and Luna on SX. Let me know what you think.
http://www.lunapalace.com.au
