Watch Kids' Reviews of
TRIP TO SPAIN, THE

I surprised myself by actually enjoying this film. It is entertaining and light-hearted. The writer/director, Michael Winterbottom leaves the audience with an ending that encourages some interesting discussion as well as making me want to go grab a late night snack!

The Trip to Spain is a deadpan comedy about two friends, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, playing themselves, traveling across Spain, writing about food while they take in culture and talk about life. This is the third in a series of "trip" films and aired at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. What I find interesting is Michael Winterbottom never actually wrote a script. It is more of an outline explaining where each scene takes place, who is in it and what subjects will be discussed. Most of the lines are improvised by the actors.

The Trip to Spain is shot on location which allows for some magnificent cinematography. There are numerous breathtaking views from the many restaurants they visit. One thing I found annoying was the abrupt cuts the camera takes to show locals eating or sitting around. I found it unnecessary and actually distracting from the plot.

I enjoy dry, deadpan humor. I also think the many impressions Steve and Rob do throughout the film are fun to watch. Obviously I cannot relate when they make references to their 50-year-old selves, but I often laughed at the situational humor.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Because of the content and dry humor, I think older teens and adults will appreciate it most. It is playing in theaters now so, go check it out.

By Tristan T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I enjoyed The Trip to Spain for its humor, beautiful countryside scenery, exquisite food and wine and meals shared by two male friends. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon shine as themselves on a romp through Spain for an adventurous week together.

They are asked to go on a newspaper photo shoot to portray Don Quixote and Sancho Panza and we travel with them through Spain in both fun times and some serious professional and family moments.

I love the road trip scenes across different parts of Spain and laughed heartily as the two men tried to outdo each other with comedic imitations of famous actors such as Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro. My favorite scene is Steve Coogan's inimitable portrayal of Mick Jagger singing. He had his voice and hand motions down to a tee. I also loved their singing duet while driving along the road of an old song of Noel Harrison's "Windows of Your Mind." Baby boomers will appreciate the joke about who Noel's father is and what song his father sang.

In opposition to the hilarity of most of the film, we see Steve Coogan dealing with some serious concerns regarding a script he has written and wondering why it has not been green-lit yet. He also learns that his agent has left the agency and he's been handed over to his agent's assistant and is unhappy about that. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Steve, his ex-agent has contacted Rob, telling him that he is the next James Cordon, and should be hosting an awards show and would like to represent him.

While on the road, Steve has some somber phone conversations with his son and Rob enjoys fun Skyped conversations with his wife and kids. The ending of the amigos' trip and Steve's time alone, provide viewers with an interesting speculative ending. This film is the third in a trilogy directed by Michael Winterbottom. Seeing this one has enticed me to seek out the first two films, The Trip and The Trip to Italy.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18 as well as adults. It is playing at select theaters nationwide so, go check it out.

By Terry Solowey, KIDS FIRST! Juror, Adult

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon embark on a six-part episodic road trip through Spain, sampling the restaurants, eateries, and sights along the way.