Well Deserved Praise

A Disappointing Continuation

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

I loved the trip to Africa but really feel Eve McGregor joining the trip brought tension to Charlie's and Ewan's relationship and their rapport seemed forced through much of the trip. I said to my screen, "Gee McGregor grow a pair and tell her no", but he didn't listen and even defends the decision by suggesting her addition brought kittens, rainbows and unicorns to the trip meaning she was just so down to earth and helpful to all the people they encountered that her presence was a gift. With the addition of Mr. McGregor's father, brother and mother,this series seemed to be all about pleasing Mr. McGregor; not about filming a buddy travel film and that is a shame.

I absolutely loved Long Way Round. It was an adventure with 2 lads that inspired and intrigued.So when this documentary was aired, I was excited to see the next leg of the adventure. But the first episode was pretty much like Long Way Round. Same issues, same struggles, same everything really. A tad boring.Then they head off to Africa. A place I was looking forward to explore with them. Unfortunately they were constantly rushing and talking about time. Africa is soooo not about time. Besides, I was hoping to watch this without being reminded of the pressures of my day job. Instead the constant issues about time was exhausting to watch. I didn't want to watch endurance, I wanted to watch adventure.Then Ewan decided to take his wife along. Yawn!! What a buzz kill. She looks lovely and it is wonderful he wanted to share it with her. But that is a poor entertainment decision, as she was bland and boring and overbearing. Absolutely killed it for me. He shouldve taken her on a different trip on his own time. Ewan also winged constantly, complaining and moaning. Africa is not for the faint hearted and surely he shouldve known that. Not to mention, if I wanted to hear some one whine Id go back to work instead of trying to relax in front of the telly listening to his complaining.He also seemed more aware of the camera and playing up for the camera than the first. This felt like a more calculated money making scheme than 2 mates wanting to ride bikes. It felt fake and forced.Honestly, this one was a huge disappointment for me. A heavy painful experience that I wish I didn't see.

Watch the SE not the original 6 episodes of Long Way Down. The Special Edition contains 10 episodes with some great footage previously cut.Ewan, Charley and Claudio are reunited for another adventure, this time from the top of Scotland to the bottom of Africa. Ewan's wife Eve also makes an appearance for part of the trip (closer to the end) riding her own bike with the guys. Instead of just riding footage, this Special Edition has some fantastic and much needed visiting time at various villages, towns and wild animal reserves. Ewan and Charley get to meet some interesting people from all walks of life, from farmers to Presidents. And what African documentary would be complete without some wildlife? You get a bit of that here too sprinkled throughout the series. Ultimately this makes it a much more enjoyable documentary to watch (compared to the original release) as you get to experience Africa with Ewan and Charley a bit more 'properly'.As a motorcyclist and a fan of travel in general I hope that Ewan and Charley will take more trips. It's a pleasure to watch such well shot documentaries and good friendships grow stronger.Ewan and Charley, if you're reading this, please take me with you on your next trip!! :-)

Granted the LWD didn't have the kind of edge Long Way Round had but lets not forget, Ewan and Charlie never started this with the intentions making it into a DVD. It specifically says at the beginning of LWR that they initially planned to film it themselves as their own record but a second thought was to do it properly.This is not a made up drama series, it's real life... they don't write what comes over the next boarder, what's over the next hill... take it as you come. I am glad that they were kind enough to let us into their adventure.Really liking the Long Way Down Under idea though.