road trip film time at the nziff - this one in iceland
which was about all i needed to add it to the viewing list
never been to iceland, heard a lot about it, a film a good way in
not too much promised in the program - 'a septuagenarian comedy'
2 retired 70-something dudes - brother-in-laws - on holiday there
the opening scenes confirming they don't know each other that well
it's their ex-wives (sisters) that is the connection and both boys now single
mitch is the big, loud, opinionated texan - retired doctor - defines obnoxious
thankfully balanced by colin - quiet, sensitive, subdued australian - divorced
they fly into reykjavik - pick up the rental (hummer) and hang out for a few days
an email arrives from mitch's young (female) cousin - also in iceland with a friend
the boys are then seen wondering around an art gallery looking at modern paintings
confirming mitch's lustful, sexist view of everything female - colin sees moods
reykjavik's architecture on display with a scene in one stunning building - gallery?
the arrival of the young ladies - dinner is arranged and mitch provides dress code
over dinner he admonishes the ladies for their attire - embarrassment all round
then it's off to the nightclub and some good-hearted slandering of the old dudes
the pace and intent of the film now emerging - it's pretty well about nothing
but happy to go with that and just enjoy the time in iceland with these two
next day they are in the hummer and heading out into the icelandic countryside
that's what we really want and no disappointment with visits to major spots
they are on the 300km golden circle expedition - first stop gulfoss waterfall
pretty impressive and so too the strokkur geyser that blows regularly
the film starting to look like a pseudo iceland promo but ok with that
colin wants to find some typical lighthouses - cue the mitch comeback
(texan drawl) - lighthouses - 'just like an erect cock without the balls'
he's quite unbearable really and even more so after alcohol or a joint
either very good acting or the actor (earl lynn nelson) of the same ilk
as the film progresses there are stunning backdrops of the scenery
so very similar to the south island of nz - mountains, rivers, desolation
all the time the lads talking very easily and naturally - unscripted?
the hummer 4wd utilised as it powers through running streams
here an african american lady photogrpher crosses their path
and on to another major scenic attractions - geysir hot springs
scenes of the 3 of them in the clear hot water on a cold day
mitch finally showing some sensitivity and excusing himself
leaving colin and nadiine to very much enjoy the moment
both admitting they can't recall the last time being so relaxed
and that's it - simple stuff - no plot, no loose ends, nothing
just a very easy-going road film in a very enticing place
another travel experience want-to-do added to the list
'big country' by big country the rousing closing song
yep - definitely sponsored by the iceland tourist board...
