'The Trip To Italy' Is A Must
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 22, 2014 9:40PM
Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan star in 'The Trip To Italy,' image via IFC Films.
Many movie sequels often times fail to capture the genuine nature that made the original so good or perhaps they follow the formula of the first a bit too closely, which can be boring. The Trip to Italy is not one of these movies. It is the second movie from Michael Winterbottom, Steven Coogan and Rob Brydon thanks to IFC Films. Their first movie was aptly called, The Trip.
In this sequel, Steve and Rob take their comedic talents and zest for dining to Italy. You may think this is a food movie but I think most moviegoers will walk away finding it’s a wonderful comedy. The duo explores what it means to be a modern middle-aged man much better than Sideways once did. The eponymously named characters make you wonder—is this their reality or a compilation of most men their age? I tend to think it’s a bit of both.
Both men struggle with family and relationships rather openly throughout the movie. They also share a friendship rooted in humor, the random sharing of knowledge and an obvious common career path. The subtle story of how both characters are also out to impress the other I find very real. We see them “practicing /studying” most often in their alone time trying to be “ready” for the next day.
The comedic moments for me were honest, laugh out loud moments. Their impressions are spot on and flow naturally from both. Nothing in the dialog is forced and if the moment feels too contrived then Steve or Rob will call out the other in a sophomoric way.
Director Michael Winterbottom has executed a beautiful movie with large sweeping shots that make you want to book a trip to Italy the second you leave the theatre. Yet, he also captures the intimacy of the character interactions in a delightful way. This movie should be enjoyed on the big screen and Chicago is lucky enough to be the first market with showings this weekend.
If you’ve not seen the first movie, you won’t be left out on too many inside jokes. You can queue up, The Trip, on Netflix if you like before hand. I suggest you see the The Trip to Italy and plan to stop for an Italian dinner or gelato after.
By: Joseph Campagna