THE TRIP TO SPAIN


Those verbal cut-ups, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, are on the road again, this time through Spain, where they are eating very well and Brydon is gathering material for a newspaper assignment. En route in this film directed by Michael Winterbottom, they engage in their familiar routine of working in impressions of actors such as Michael Caine, Roger Moore, Marlon Brando etc. into their conversations.

Frankly, although the guys can be witty and occasionally very funny, the routine is becoming stale and sometimes tiresome. They monopolize conversation no matter who is around, and at times they become boring.

Yes, there is some amusement, as when they are seen dressed up as Don Quixote and Sancho Panza for a photo shoot. And there is no question that they have a gift for impersonations and using them, often competitively, in their conversations. Personal elements in their lives are shown occasionally, with Coogan obsessing over a problem romance.

Fortunately, and this is a big plus, the scenery we view as they travel is seductive and sometimes spectacular. It makes one want to head for Spain and follow their trail, maybe with Coogan and Brydon along for just a bit of the way. An IFC films release. Reviewed August 11, 2017.




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