Genre: Comedy | Drama
Directed by: Michael Winterbottom
Starring: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Rosie Fellner
Written by: Michael Winterbottom

Michael Winterbottom’s largely improvised 2010 film, The Trip, took comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon-or semifictionalized versions thereof-on a restaurant tour around northern England. In this witty and incisive follow-up, Winterbottom reunites the pair for a new culinary road trip, retracing the steps of the Romantic poets’ grand tour of Italy and indulging in some sparkling banter and impersonation-offs. Rewhetting our palates from the earlier film, the characters enjoy mouthwatering meals in gorgeous settings from Liguria to Capri while riffing on subjects as varied as Batman’s vocal register, the artistic merits of “Jagged Little Pill,” and, of course, the virtue of sequels. Winterbottom trains his camera to capture the idyllic Italian landscape and the gastronomic treasures being prepared and consumed while keeping the film centered on the crackling chemistry between the two leads. The Trip to Italy effortlessly melds the brilliant comic interplay between Coogan and Brydon into quieter moments of self-reflection, letting audiences into their insightful ruminations on the nuances of friendship and the juggling of family and career. The result is a biting portrait of modern-day masculinity. (c) IFC Films

The Trip to Italy is a funny, summer breeze of a niche, indie comedy. During the dreadful dog days of the movie schedule in August, high minded audiences need a sophisticated comedy like this. Here comes IFC to the rescue and perfect timing. Kudos to the late summer release strategy. The improvisation of the dinner time conversations were live wire acts as actors Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan engage in lively dialogue. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the actors Brydon and Coogan. Their banter was hysterical. Director Michael Winterbottom commands the wit from these actors and I enjoyed every moment of this movie.

The following scene highlights the great Coogan and Brydon mocking Michael Caine from The Dark Knight Rises. It is very amusing especially for movie the more comic book fans on our site. Take a watch:

This is a pitch perfect snap shot that sums up the whole movie. Since The Trip to Italy is a sequel to The Trip, the celebrity voice impressions are amped up in the follow up. This is the art house equivalent to an over the top and self-indulgent sequel. Yet, like a rare sequel it is a top-notch, high quality entertainment. I appreciate sequels to low budget movies because it shows that independent cinema has a successful fan base that the industry is eager to cater toward. Consider this taking a vacation from the stale summer movies that crowd multiplexes during the summer. You’ll be glad you took The Trip…again.

I rate The Trip to Italy a 7.5 out of 10.