In the beginning of "The Trip," actor and comedian Steve Coogan's frustrations are in no way understated. His girlfriend, for one reason or another, has returned to America. She is an ocean away, leaving Coogan to find a replacement for a preplanned trip through northern England to sample some of the region's finest restaurants.
With no one else to ask, he invites friend and impressionist Rob Brydon to come along for the ride. The two embark on a little trip, as enjoyable as a glass of fine wine and a humorous chat with an old friend.
"The Trip," directed by Michael Winterbottom, doesn't start out that way, however. And those who have only seen the trailer or have heard of the film's funnier bits, may not be prepared for the overall quietness of the film. This is less "The Hangover" and more "Sideways" — but with food. Be prepared to relish the poignant parts of the film as well as the humorous bits, the way you would a really good meal.
As they sit down to dinner, Brydon and Coogan bicker over the nasal quality of Michael Caine's voice, muse over career aspirations and dryly insult each other.
"I would rather be me than you," Coogan tells Brydon matter of factly in one scene. "Because I would rather have several moments of genius than a lifetime of mediocrity."
The line highlights the underlying story of this film that goes beyond Al Pacino impressions and witty banter.
Here are two friends who couldn't be more different. Coogan is still an unsettled bachelor fussing with his American girlfriend. Though he seems hopeful in working things out with her, he's also quick to bed any girl who entertains his fancy.
Brydon is a new father, content and happy with his life at home. Where he is perfectly confident in his career, dropping impressions of Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Caine and Woody Allen with ease, Coogan picks apart each of them one by one. He's particular of the projects being offered him and can't seem to find anything he really wants to do. And when his attention is requested by his son, Coogan's discomfort is obvious.
The DVD leaves much to be desired. The bonus features include a making-of feature that is mostly raw footage behind the scenes. Deleted scenes are available, as well as a look at Brydon's photos and some added footage of his. Considering how well the two play off of each other, one can only imagine the bloopers during the making of this film would be something worth watching.
From one restaurant to the next, the two find their own common ground over glasses of wine and carefully prepared food. The film does not cut the food short and goes behind the line in the kitchen. At the table, Coogan and Brydon's ease with each other as performers is undeniable and only adds to the feel that these are two guys who probably should hang out more.
I, for one, would definitely go along for the ride.
3.5 Yaps