The Trip to Spain

Coogan and Brydon ... begin to grate, and come off as obnoxious, both to themselves and to the patrons around them, who hopefully got comped for their meals.

That's the pleasure of the uneven but enjoyable "Trip" movies, of which this is the third installment: For better or worse, it's almost like being at that table.

It may fail as a movie, but it works as a lovely jaunt with witty companions who delight in the pleasures that arise from their long association.

The mercurial nature of fame acts as an ideal metaphor for the fleeting and uncertain nature of life itself - all of which, in the masterful hands of Brydon, Coogan and Winterbottom, goes down more smoothly than a glass of Rioja.

Provided you're a fan of subdued dry wit, bittersweet views of males in middle age and wicked celebrity impressions, it's a perceptive trip you'll want to take.

The film is, like its predecessors, funny. But the joke is starting to wear just a bit thin.

The Trip to Spain is more of the same, but that's not so bad when "the same" is the film equivalent of a Michelin-starred meal.

It isn't as consistently funny as the first one, but feels leaner more focused than "Italy." And it's still pure pleasure to be a third wheel with Coogan and Brydon as they hit the road.

The razor-sharp comedy sees both Coogan and Brydon play exaggerated versions of themselves as they travel to various gourmet eateries.

As a whole it's worth savouring.

The end product is more intriguing than it is engrossing, but it's a pretty unique way of seeing a country.

At this point, these guys feel almost like family - extraordinarily talented, erudite and funny family. I can't wait to spend time with them again.