Weekend Cooking: The Trip (Film)

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When I spotted the mockumentary The Trip on several lists of recommended movies for food lovers, I knew I had to give it a try. Apparently the movie started out as a six-part spoof for British television and was reedited into feature film length for U.S. audiences.

Impressionists, comedic actors, and friends Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon partner up in this road tip movie in which the pair set off on a week-long journey to the north of England to eat the best that the region has to offer. Between the scenes of wonderful dishes (especially scallops, Rob's perennial choice), the two banter, laugh, and argue as only two close friends can.

The impersonation competition between Steve and Rob had both Mr. BFR and I laughing throughout the movie. The quick glimpses into the restaurant kitchens and the beautifully presented meals take second seat to the men's relationship and their personal lives. Although quite funny at times, there is also a more serious side to The Trip, as the friends discuss middle age, fatherhood, and their careers.

Most impressive is that the film is (I believe) completely improvisation, from the running gags of spotty cell reception and problems with the hotel reservations to the more poignant moments. I had never heard of Coogan and Brydon before, but I'm going to keep them on my radar.