The Trip to Greece

Greetings again from the darkness. Now is either the absolute best time to release this movie, or it's the worst. During a pandemic with directives to stay home, you would be excused for classifying a cinematic travel trip by funny buddies as either a harsh prank or a welcome fantasy. Director Michael Winterbottom is back for his fourth film in the franchise featuring wise-cracking pals Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. The first three were: THE TRIP (2010), THE TRIP TO ITALY (2014), and THE TRIP TO SPAIN (2017), and each were edited into feature films from their respective BBC Television series.

The players remain the same, as does the formula. Only the location provides a change-up. Beginning in Turkey near the historical site of Troy, complete with the photo op at the Trojan Horse monument, Coogan and Brydon are on a 6 day assignment to cover (mostly) the 10 year journey of Odysseus in Homer's "The Odyssey." The symmetry is noted in the film as this marks the tenth year since they first began traveling together.

The men make their way to Stagira (now Macedonia), the birthplace of Aristotle, as well as Hydra, Athens, Delphi, and Ithaca. Of course, at each destination, the boys stop for a ridiculously upscale gourmet meal at a world class restaurant that features a breathtaking view. It's during these savory meals, and in the car during the trip, and well, just about any other time, Coogan and Brydon continue their never-ending game of one-upsmanship. Impersonations, punchlines, and spirited verbal sparring are all done with the hope of making the other person laugh, or admit defeat. While the Michael Caine impersonation never makes an appearance, we do get dueling Mick Jaggers and Dustin Hoffmans, as well as moments for Werner Herzog, Ray Winstone, and Barry Gibb/Bee Gees (with "Grease" and "Staying Alive").

Stunning scenery and historic locations provide ammo for some of the banter between the two comics, including whether Alexander the Great was an original gangster. However, there is also an underlying message here. The two argue over who should wear the respective masks of comedy and tragedy while they are on the hallowed grounds of an ancient Greek Theatre, and Coogan makes the point that "Originality is overrated. Everything is derivative." This commentary applies not just to their own "Trip" franchise, but also to many other elements of society.

Perhaps there are a few too many aerial shots of their Range Rover traveling down a road, but the back country is so beautiful, we can't complain. The same goes for those restaurants. Sure it's torture to watch as they enjoy delicious food, but the scenery is unique to their locale. As we wonder when, or even if, we will ever be able to travel the globe again, perhaps the best lesson here is to value our time with friends and loved ones. A personal crisis is used for this series finale, though it also leaves us with the proclamation that that these trips have been "Mostly fun and games." So, "already enjoy."

THE TRIP TO GREECE is a poignant and hilarious meditation on life -- art, family, friendship, history, success and struggles and aging, and death -- that follows formula. By now, audiences ought to be familiar with the central conceit of these "trip" films: comedian friends Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon spend a week traveling a location and dining together. In transit, and over courses, they wax philosophical and compete over comedy and their careers. Essentially, these films are about two men suffering their friendship with each other while life goes on around them -- there is always at least one important sub-plot happening back home that complicates their plans. That said, formulaic needn't imply stale, and this presumably final installment of the series is very self-aware, a fact which helps it justify itself. If you are unsold on these films, this isn't the one that will sell you, and if you are unfamiliar with them, I'd start with the original, obviously... but if you have enjoyed any of the previous trips, this one is also worth taking, as you can live vicariously through them in seeing some gorgeous sights and savory dishes, especially now.

It's probably just me, but I enjoyed this just as much as the previous ones. there's something relaxing about the whole thing. just random conversations, random impersonations, no excessive background music, and I enjoy the humor. there's also an underlying plot, Steve's career goes down as Rob's goes up. I'm not really sure what it has to do with anything with the rest of the movie though. most who reviewed this here have obviously not seen the previous installations and are expecting something entirely different. watch the first one (The Trip, 2010) and if you liked it you'll get the sequels. if you didn't enjoy it then this and the other two movies simply isn't for you.

Love the Music, the restaurants, the locations and of course Steve and Rob. I didn't even know a fourth one existed. So glad to see it on Hulu. Greek scenery is breathtakingly beautiful! And watching the chefs is the best. This one does not disappoint I love it and the themes of these guys soul searching and growing older. Don't miss it and see it free on Hulu!

The combination of tranquil music with beautiful landscapes mixed with heart felt friendship just touches me in an unexpected way, maybe its the reminder to take a reflective look at my life I'm not quite sure but I get a wave of happiness from start to finish every time I watch. I will one day do my own trip through Europe stopping to eat delicious food at restaurants with awesome views, sailing from one island to the next on clear blues seas. One day.