It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.
Blockbusters got you down? Get ready to hit the independent circuit this week as we check out a pair of smaller films.

It’s nice to take a bit of time to check out what are sometimes excellent pieces of work from up-and-coming actors and directors.

The two we have on hand this week are each a year or more old, and are now finding some playtime in Korea with a bit of breathing space between bigger films.

Here are The Trip and Manglehorn.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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The Trip (2010, Michael Winterbottom)
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon tour the English countryside.

Now here’s a movie that most in Korea would never get the chance to see. The Trip is a great movie featuring two well-known English comics.

Playing loose versions of themselves, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon reprise roles from Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story and reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for a witty, largely improvised ride through the English countryside. Steve is asked by The Observer to review fine restaurants throughout England. When his girlfriend decides not to accompany him, he asks Rob, and together the pair attempt to navigate the winding back roads of rural England, impersonating popular celebrities and bickering along the way.

The movie isn’t so much about food as it is friendship, and as such, there’s actually quite a lot to eat here. But I know what you’re thinking...This is a comedy about two guys going to fancy restaurants in the English countryside. How could that be at all funny? Well, it is. You’ll just have to check it out for yourself.

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Manglehorn (2014, David Gordon Green)
An eccentric locksmith tries to start his life over again.

Manglehorn is a small film with Al Pacino in the lead, playing the title role of Manglehorn.

Left heartbroken by the woman he loved and lost many years ago, Manglehorn, an eccentric small-town locksmith, tries to start his life over again with the help of a new friend.

So how is it? Well, if you’ve got the choice of just one of the above movies, then take The Trip. Al Pacino puts in a strong performance, as does co-star Holly Hunter. The main beef with the movie, however, is that there just isn’t much to the script, and for a drama, that’s something that you need,