The Trip was hilarious and charming for the first hour, but unfortunately it then kept going for another 47 minutes.

The repartee and oneupmanship were splendid - - the impressions relentless - - the two "losers" of Brit Com go on a road trip - - what could go wrong?

I understand this film was cut down from a television series, which gives me hope to one day see another feature cut of this film, which maintains the Steve Coogan / Rob Bryden serious biography and the seven day structure, but tightens it up into an 85 minute thoroughbred of comedy.

As it is...


4 out of 5.

I pretty much agree.

Coogan and Bryden's banter is quite hilarious, and frequently inspired, but grows more and more tiresome as it wears on. And since that's basically all the film is, it drags. Trying to interject some half-hearted drama about Coogan's existential crisis and aching loneliness doesn't really work, and the melancholy note the film ends on nearly sours the whole thing.

Still, I laughed a lot, and the impressions killed. Woody Allen was probably the best, but their Caines were pretty great too.

I caught the TV series when it was aired. Good stuff.