In a slight re-jig of the lads-on-tour formula of The Inbetweeners Movie, this second theatrical outing proves returning writers can get still get mileage out of running jokes from the original series.

But there are new ideas too, with writers Beesley and Morris now directing and making the most of the longer format. They open with a convincing genre spoof that’ll have you wondering if you’re in the right cinema, followed by a fantasy sequence which hilariously provides wish-fulfilment for pathological liar Jay (Buckley).

The best gags showcase Neil’s endearing stupidity, but the film goes irrecoverably overboard with gross-out comedy.

After a strong start The Inbetweeners 2 adds tasteless animal abuse and rape jokes to the mix. In some respects it’s better than you might expect, offering insightful commentary on gap-year clichés, but in others it’s exactly the familiar brand of puerile humour the Inbetweeners will never grow out of.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison, James Buckley

DIRECTORS: Damon Beesley and Iain Morris

WRITERS: Damon Beesley and Iain Morris

SYNOPSIS: The Inbetweeners reunite Down Under.