Review: The Trip to Greece

PLOT: Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon enjoy one final trip together in the fourth film in this series. This time, the two enjoy the lush landscape of Greece.

REVIEW: It's hard to imagine that a film about two actors vacationing around the world would be as sublime as THE TRIP features. First created as a British sitcom from 2010, this cheerfully sweet comedy became something unique. It was so successful that it became a series of movies re-cut from the source material. Since then, we've seen THE TRIP, THE TRIP TO ITALY, THE TRIP TO SPAIN. The latest feature in this franchise is THE TRIP TO GREECE. Once again, Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan return portraying fictionalized versions of themselves on a restaurant tour overseas. And considering this is reportedly the last in the franchise, how well does this tour of Greece hold up?

The plot is simple, Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan are on yet another world tour. The two try a variety of cuisine and enjoy the stunning scenery of Greece. All the while the two trade quips while indulging in a bit of humorous back and forths. You'd think that this could get old fast, but the intrinsic charms that these two wonderfully talented actors trade is a delight. While this is certainly a comedy, there is a deeply heartfelt and fascinating finale that is extremely emotional and a bit surprising.

Director Michael Winterbottom has taken on some challenging stories, yet sometimes it's the most simple tales that truly connect. The two actors he's working with have a ton of affection for each other.  The conversations go from the difference between GREASE and Greece to who can do the theme to CHARIOTS OF FIRE better. These moments bring an undeniable charm to this delightful experience of a film. Watching these two friends exchange stories could have been a massive bore, but thankfully Coogan and Brydon are exceptional together. It truly is a joy watching the two delight in each other's company.

THE TRIP TO GREECE works especially well as sort of a modern travel guide. Winterbottom and cinematographer James Clarke beautifully explore the lush and gorgeous locale. Greece feels alive here. The crystal clear waters and the incredible scenery make this living travelogue something to behold. You'd never expect a comedic film about two best friends on holiday would be this intoxicating. The film is shockingly cinematic considering it's just a couple of guys eating great food and chatting about life. It may be a good idea to watch this flick after you eat because you'll certainly be hankering some fine cuisine while watching.

As pretty as it is, this wouldn't work with just anybody. Winterbottom, Coogan, and Brydon have created something very special with this series. Reportedly this will be the final film in the series, and they couldn't have picked a more honest way to do that. The final act is equally joyful as it is bittersweet and heartbreakingly true. Even though it's clear that these are exaggerated versions of the actors themselves, the ending is so emotionally honest that you have to wonder how much of it is based on reality.  Either way, the ending packs a harder punch than you'd expect from a lighthearted comedy.

THE TRIP TO GREECE is a joyful celebration of friendship. Considering how much time we've spent with both Coogan and Brydon abroad, it's impressive how they've managed to keep this going as long as they did. Their latest adventure is witty and loaded with charm. It's just an incredibly sweet story. If you've been watching these two together in the previous films, there's no reason to miss this. Don't let it discourage you if you've not seen the series or the movies, you won't need it to find the heart in this. If you're a fan of Coogan and Brydon, well there's no reason to miss the brilliant chemistry that is on display in what appears to be their final on-screen "Trip" together.