The Trip to Italy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two middle-aged guys drive around Italy, eat a lot of fancy food, and argue about who does a better Michael Caine impression, which is basically a paid vacation disguised as a profound exploration of life and art.

🍿 The Trip to Italy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Commission and the Route

Following their culinary journey through Northern Britain, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are once again paired for a restaurant review tour, this time through Italy. Commissioned by The Observer, they embark on a week-long trip, traveling from the north down Italy’s western coast, with a planned final destination in Sicily. They decide to take a journey from Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi, and ending in Capri. Their trip becomes a blend of scenic vistas, gourmet meals, and their trademark witty banter.

Impersonations and Literary Allusions

As they traverse the Italian landscape, Steve and Rob entertain each other (and the audience) with a continuous stream of celebrity impersonations. From Michael Caine to Al Pacino, their repertoire is vast and often hilarious. They also weave literary references into their conversations, particularly drawing inspiration from the works and lives of Romantic poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, visiting sites connected to these literary figures.

Role Reversal and Personal Reflections

In contrast to their previous trip, a subtle shift in their dynamic emerges. Steve appears more grounded and focused, while Rob seems more restless and driven by external validation. This role reversal stems from past experiences and current life events, including potential career opportunities for Rob and Steve’s evolving relationship with his son. The pair confront themes of aging and mortality, discussing their careers, family lives, and legacies amidst the beautiful Italian scenery.

Brief Encounters

Along their journey, they meet a couple women during a sailing trip early in the week. Later Steve’s PA and his son Joe join them for the rest of the trip.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Coogan (Steve Coogan): A successful actor grappling with aging, career anxieties, and a desire to connect with his son, while trying to maintain his intellectual image.
• Rob Brydon (Rob Brydon): A talented comedian and impressionist dealing with marital dissatisfaction and seeking validation through professional opportunities and fleeting encounters.
• Lucy (Rosie Fellner): The attractive woman whom Rob briefly romances, symbolizing his search for fulfillment outside his marriage.
• Emma (Claire Keelan): Steve’s assistant who represents a connection to his professional life and provides a grounding presence.
• Joe (Tim Leach): Steve’s son, embodying his desire for stronger family ties and a sense of legacy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve: “Volatile women are always sexy when you first meet them but two years down the line you’re sorta saying things like, ‘can you just put the lids back on eh… on these jars please.’” – Steve humorously reflects on the fleeting appeal of high-maintenance relationships.
• Rob: “I’m Al Pacino.” – Rob says this before doing Al Pacino impression. It’s a nod to his talent for celebrity impersonations, a recurring comedic element in the film.
• Steve: “She’s has a lovely gait.” – Commenting on the receptionist walking past.
• Rob: “Yes, probably padlocked.” – After Steve compliments a woman’s gait.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $2,880,537
• Worldwide Gross: $6,132,875

💥 The Trip to Italy Reviews

Personal Review

I loved ‘The Trip to Italy’! It’s like hanging out with two witty friends on a ridiculously scenic vacation. The impressions are hilarious, especially the dueling Michael Caines. I found myself laughing out loud at their absurd conversations. The scenery made me want to book a trip to Italy immediately. Even though it’s just them eating and talking, it’s strangely captivating. There is one scene where Steve is talking to his son on the phone, it made me feel for him and his loneliness. A really fun and thought-provoking film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedy”
  • “Foodies and travel enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy witty banter and improvisational humor”
  • “Those who appreciate scenic landscapes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Some language”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Winterbottom again finds humor in the mundane anxieties of middle age, elevated by beautiful Italian landscapes and the undeniable chemistry between Coogan and Brydon, even if it treads familiar ground.
• Screen Rant: “The Trip to Italy is an entertaining but ultimately unengaging comic travelogue of Italy, with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traveling across the Italian peninsula while entertaining each other with imitations.

Audience Reactions

The spot-on impressions of various celebrities were hilarious and never got old.: Viewers appreciated the witty banter and the beautiful Italian scenery.

Many viewers found themselves laughing at the absurd, often improvised, dialogue.: The chemistry between Coogan and Brydon was a highlight for most audiences.

Overall Consensus: A witty and entertaining travelogue that relies on the chemistry between its leads and the beauty of its setting, though some viewers may find the plot thin.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Like its predecessor, ‘The Trip,’ much of the dialogue in ‘The Trip to Italy’ was improvised by Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.”
• “The film features numerous references to poets such as Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, adding a layer of intellectual humor to the food and travelogue format.”
• “The stunning Italian locations, including Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi, and Capri, play a significant role in the film’s visual appeal.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Trip to Italy?

The Trip to Italy is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Trip to Italy, you might like these similar films:

• The Trip (2010): The original film featuring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon on a similar culinary road trip through Northern England, establishing the format and comedic dynamic.
• Sideways (2004): Features a road trip with two middle-aged men exploring personal insecurities and relationships against the backdrop of wine country.
• Before Midnight (2013): Dialogue-driven film that explores the evolving relationship of a couple against the backdrop of Greece.
• Chef (2014): Features a chef rediscovering his passion for food and life during a road trip.

🛒 The Trip to Italy Related Products

• The Trip: Complete Series [DVD]: Get the entire collection of The Trip series on DVD, for a binge-worthy experience of hilarious conversations, stunning locations, and gourmet meals.
• Michelin Guide Italy 2024: Explore Michelin-starred restaurants and culinary gems across Italy. Plan your own gastronomic adventure and experience the best of Italian cuisine.
• Steve Coogan: The Man Who Thinks He’s It [Book]: Dive into the world of Steve Coogan with this biography, providing insights into his career, humor, and the real person behind the comedic persona.
• Rob Brydon Live: Act Your Age [DVD]: Enjoy Rob Brydon’s stand-up comedy show ‘Act Your Age’ and witness his incredible impressions and hilarious observations live on stage.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Trip to Italy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “All I Really Want” – performed by Alanis Morissette
• “Im Abendrot” – performed by Richard Strauss

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The trip with Steve Coogan. We rise at daybreak.

Ever wonder what it’s like to travel with Steve Coogan? This scene gives you a taste, and honestly, it’s hilarious. You HAVE to watch this!

The Trip – Richard Gere Impression

This Richard Gere impression is SO good! I’ve watched it a million times. See if you agree that it’s a must-see moment from the movie.

The Trip – Wine Tip 1

Want to see a scene that didn’t make the final cut? This deleted scene has some great banter about wine. Definitely worth a watch!

✨ Rate