Hamish & Andy's Euro Gap Year
Review by Sean Lynch
When you're on a good thing don't mess with it. It's a rule of thumb it took radio juggernauts Hamish & Andy a few times to figure out (after the critical success but public failure of "Hamish & Andy" and "Real Stories") but have now settled on what it is they do best and how to do it.
After immersing themselves in American culture last year, Hamish and Andy decided you can never stop learning and it would therefore be irresponsible not to take another gap year in 2012.
The Nine Network series (according to insiders, Nine paid a PRETTY penny to woo the duo from their home at Channel Ten), Hamish and Andy's Euro Gap Year features the boys' travels and adventures throughout Europe which was broadcast weekly from The Lord Stanley, a disused pub in East London.
It's no coincidence that their Euro trip coincided with Nine's lead in coverage of the 2012 London Olympic Games and, as such, there is plenty of fodder for the lads to muck about in.
Gone are the patchy and occasionally clunky studio guests, bands and "Tonight Show" feel of the USA Gap Year - and the show is much, much stronger for it. The Radio Karate team are in their prime when roving and running amok and there's plenty of that on offer here.
Whether it's jumping off bridges 25 metres high to become "real men" in Bosnia, racing wild reindeer in Lapland or dropping in to a finger-pulling festival in Germany, Hamish and Andy will be there to revel in Europe's weird and wonderful pastimes.
It's hard to pinpoint why Hamish & Andy work so well. They aren't really "joke tellers", they aren't satirists - they are just a couple of likeable lads. It's in that fact the two have mastered exactly what it is that works for Aussies... being people that would be "fun to have a beer with".
Looking at our most successful comedic exports : Paul Hogan, Kath & Kim, Chris Lilley. They've honed and mined exactly what the modern Australian personality is, and it's a joy to watch because you truly feel like you're along with them for the ride.
There are plenty of special features included here too, just in case you were wondering. It's one of the Radio Karate teams strongest points, as the Real Stories DVD proved without a shadow of a doubt.
To be honest, I'm not sure how much replay value is in here, but you simply can't deny that the innocence and sense of goodwill throughout Euro Gap Year is infectious and well worth experiencing if you missed it during it's initial run on the box.
Good, clean, cheeky fun.
Conclusion: Movie 85% Extras: 70%
