Review of Netflix’s Jack Whitehall Travels with my Father
Little bit about Jack
Jack Whitehall is an actor, comedian and writer. Who’s career started at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007. He won many awards. The Charlie Hartill Special Reserve Competition and The Amused Moose Laugh Off. This then set off a string of more awards,, TV shows and films.
And some about Michael
Michael is an english producer, talent agent and author. He formed two production companies, Havahall Pictures 1988 and Whitehall Films 1998.
Travels
We get to follow Jack as he embarks on a trip of a lifetime. But with his dear old Father, Michael. They jet off to journey across south East Asia and take upon themselves the challenges ahead. However they both have very different perspectives.
Michael and Jacks relationship is a strange one. Jack refers to his time in boarding school quite a lot. And how his father was not really there for him as a child. However this is said in a light tone. Which can leave you either sympathetic for Jack or confused because he is making a joke of it.
However this pairing provides plenty of laughter and entertainment. Jack is attempting to have the gap year he missed out on years ago. And what better way, than to spend it with your bad-tempered old man.
Jack wants to go all out. A full on backpacking experience. You know, with the Duke of Edinburgh rucksack, limited clothing and stay in a wooden cabin on the beach. However Jack’s dad doesn’t see it this way. He takes suits to wear and will not use communal toilets. As Jack used this as his gap year, he was feeling youthful. He had ambition for adventure and getting lashed at parties.
Food
When they get there even at a five-star restaurant Michael orders a lamb chop. So he is really putting himself out there. Food is a major problem for Michael. He is not a man who will try things, definitely if he doesn’t know what it is. I thought he would not be eating at all at one point.
Accommodation
So going away for your gap year means staying in hostels right. Wrong according to Michael. He can’t stay in anything but a five-star hotel. although Jack can’t complain it was lovely.
Jack also books a straw beach hut. When Michael finds out he is meant to share a bed with Jack, you find out they are not that close. Jack is told he will be sleeping in the hammock outside the front. Something else that made me cry with laughter. Michael books a room at a fancy hotel down the road just to use the toilet!
Old age
Michael is a 78 year old man so I understand that he may not be able to do as much in his old age. But the way he expects Jack to carry every piece of luggage. And he does not make it easy. He has a huge suitcase that Jack struggles with.
There is love there
There is one moment when the pair seem to get on. They visit a therapist who specialises in face slapping. Both Jack and Michael try hard not to cry with laughter when Jack gets a session. Michael also has many jokes about ‘slappers’.
They also get a Luk Thep doll and call it Winston. But this seems to show a slight bit of love between jack and his dad. That is until Michael seems to put the doll first. Jack jokes too much about his dad loving Winston more that he loved Jack as a child. And how he could be a better father to Winston.
Activities
Before they even leave London Michael says ‘A trip over Putney Bridge is quite an excursion,’. ‘What the fuck am I doing going to Thailand?’.
I would like to say that they both join in various activities. But it is mostly Jack. Then Michael watching and bitching about how shit Jack is. Jack attempts elephant polo joining the New Zealand team. He seems to really enjoy it until Michael is commentating on how Jack shouldn’t be playing at all.
My favourite is when Jack plays football with a hangover on a floating pitch. He joins the Penyee FC Youth Team. And he is great! Even old dad appears to be very proud of his son. It is a great bonding moment.
Overall
Jack Whitehall’s Travel with my Father is a great watch. It will have you laughing throughout. 10/10!
