Road Trip

Starring Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Amy Smart, Paulo Constanzo, DJ Qualls, Rachel Blanchard, Anthony Rapp, Fred Ward, Tom Green

Directed by Todd Phillips

Written by Todd Phillips and Scot Armstrong

DreamWorks/Montecito, 95 minutes

I stayed away from this movie, when it first appeared on the DVD shelves, since some reviewers suggested that it was just too stupid to bother with.

Well, so much for reviewers. If you're tired of "comedies" which make you laugh once in two hours, this movie is for you. It is funny from beginning to end.

The basic premise of the plot is simple. Josh and Beth have been sweethearts since childhood. Now, however, they are at separate universities in Ithaca, NY and Austin, Texas. Josh inadvertently sends a compromising package to Josh, and sets off with 3 buddies to get to Texas before the package does. The car they take belongs to one of the buddies, or rather the buddy's father, but it doesn't last too long because...well, I won't give away the plot.

Like all the best comedies, this one has a story that isn't that far from reality. Todd Phillips had previously codirected the 1998 documentary Frat House, so knows his subject. And during my student years, I once went on a trip from Quebec City to Vancouver via New Orleans and San Diego with friends from Greece and Algeria. Our car problems started before we reached Detroit, and...

Anyway, you get the picture. And this is one picture you should get to see, if you liked Dumb and Dumber or similar masterpieces.

About the DVD

Very good picture quality, and DTS sound.

Deleted scenes are included, and this time there can be no second-guessing the director and editor: the deleted scenes would not have improved the movie. The behind-the-scenes featurette is short but interesting. Full information on the cast and filmmakers, and one music video.

Internet Movie Database link

http://us.imdb.com/Title?0215129