Culture

Rating: B+

“You better bring your wellies, because you’ll be knee-deep in clunge.” This seminal quote from Jay Cartwright (James Buckley) in the previous film typifies the Inbetweeners: horny, foul-mouthed, and desperately unaware of their social status. Reunited in Australia with the pretentious Will McKenzie (Simon Bird), romantically-clueless Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas), and totally clueless Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison), the four boys continue their quest for banter and sexual enlightenment.

Despite claiming that he “never thinks about” his former girlfriend Jane (Lydia Rose Bewley), Jay is on a gap year, hoping he can find Jane and rekindle their relationship. Will and Simon are discontented with university life and journey with Neil (who has nothing else to do) to see if Jay’s life in Australia is as decadent as he boasts.

Those familiar with the TV series or the previous movie will be very excited for more cheap laughs and gross antics. Unfortunately, this film lacks sufficient character exposition (especially of new and female characters) and seems to trade on viewer’s familiarity with already-established jokes and relationships. Nevertheless, the dynamic between the four lads is as hilarious as ever and there is plenty of physical comedy leaving Will and the others with egg (or something much worse) on their faces.

Regular fans of The Inbetweeners may find this film to be a little unoriginal, but it makes appreciable attempts to deviate from the standard formula. It has plenty of cringe, banter and the usual shenanigans, but sadly not enough story or character development for it to be essential viewing.

Be prepared for quotable lines, cheap laughs, and a very unflattering portrayal of Australians. According to the cast and crew, this is the last hurrah for the Inbetweeners, and they have been sent off in style.