THE TRIP TO ITALY (7 out of 10) Directed and Written by Michael Winterbottom; Starring Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan, Not Rated, but includes language and adult situations. In limited release,expanding nationwide eventually.
For those who saw 2009’s “The Trip,” you’re coming back for a second helping of impressions, bickering, and good food. For those who didn’t see it, watch this short clip of the two stars’ dueling Michael Caine impressions:
In this newest installment, our two stars reunite to do what they did in the first film: a tour of restaurants, this time through Italy, following the old haunts of expat Romantic poets like Shelley and Byron.
And because they’re in Italy, driving around the countryside in a Mini Cooper, within fifteen minutes Coogan asks Brydon, “Do your Michael Caine impression.” Which devolves into ten minutes straight of impressions and riffing, taking down the Batman movies, the Godfather movies, and a spectacular meal.
They wink at the audience, knowing full well that a sequel is never going to capture the same magic as the original. But, hey, who can turn down a free trip to Italy?
Underneath the riffing, the deconstruction of deep cuts off Alanis Morrisette’s “Jagged Little Pill,” and a re-enactment of scenes from “The Godfather, Part II,” there’s a beautiful ennui about growing older and what it means to be in the prime of your career but not be able to take advantage of it.
Brydon especially shines as he deals with a wife and child who are generally too busy for him, pushing him into romantic play with a blond deckhand who loves his spot-on Hugh Grant impression. He also works to get a part in a Hollywood film, filming an audition with his iPad, trying a variety of bad American accents to become an “accountant for the mob.”
Which is not to say Coogan plays second fiddle, as he deals with a 16 year old son who is both exploring his independence but wants to be close to his dad. Coogan gets to play more of the older brother role to Brydon, which is fun to see their relationship grow from bickering sibling rivalry in the first film to this more mature relationship.
But there’s still plenty of immaturity and fun, most of which comes from the riffing and mugging the stars do. The only complaint is that there is very little in the way of a plot, but this is a story about character, not plot.
Enjoy the impressions, and bon appetit.
7 out of 10.